Injury Creates Opening

[griffeyfan3]

Injury creates opening

By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer


Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson (right) makes the putout on Reds catcher Jason LaRue at third base during the second inning.
The Associated Press/Gene J. Puskar
Zoom

Zoom
SARASOTA, Fla. - Josh Hancock put it bluntly.

"The timing sucks," he said.

Hancock re-injured his right groin Thursday in the Reds' final spring training game in Florida, a 6-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Ed Smith Stadium.

The injury isn't serious. But because of when it happened, Hancock is destined to start the year on the 15-day disabled list.

Hancock, a 26-year-old right-hander, was making his first appearance since March 19. He had been shut down because of an injury to the same groin muscle.

He felt something pull Thursday as he was throwing a pitch to Kip Wells in the second inning.

He threw three pitches to the next hitter, Matt Lawton, before coming out of the game.

"It got progressively worse," Hancock said.

The Reds will make sure Hancock is 100 percent before turning him loose again.

"Definitely," trainer Mark Mann said. "This is something that's been bothering him for a period of time. We're going to be very cautious."

Hancock's injury means both Joe Valentine and Matt Belisle will make the Opening Day roster.

"That would be a very safe assumption," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said. "Sometimes you benefit in planning ahead and leaving your options open."

That's why the Reds will take 26 players to Memphis, Tenn., and Louisville for the final two exhibition games.

The 25th spot will go to either Jacob Cruz or Luis Lopez. But they both could make it.

"We're keeping our options open," O'Brien said. "We've got some players with bumps and bruises."

Wily Mo Peña has missed the last five games after straining his back Saturday.

"He took batting practice the last two days," Mann said. "He'll be available to play (today) in Memphis."

Peña said he feels good and will be ready to play today.

Hancock has pitched well. In fact, he didn't give up a run until Thursday.

Coming in, he had allowed six hits and struck out seven over eight innings.

But his groin tightened during a bullpen session following his March 19 start against the Minnesota Twins.

He was shut down from throwing for about a week before working his way back.

"You need patience with these things," Hancock said. "That's something I don't have."

Hancock has a history of groin problems. He suffered a muscle tear in 2002 while pitching in the Arizona Fall League. The injury required surgery.

"I know what it feels like," he said.

He doesn't think this one is serious.

"He'll be re-examined (today)," Mann said, "and we'll have a better idea of how long (recovery will take)."

Hancock said he'll return to Cincinnati with the team.

"It's better that it happened now than halfway through the season," he said.

Belisle, a 24-year-old right-hander, is probably the biggest surprise to make the roster.

He had one bad start this spring, but he has allowed no runs on three hits in seven innings as a reliever.

Valentine, a 25-year-old right-hander, struggled early. But he has posted a 2.16 ERA over his last eight appearances.

[AdamDunn#44]

If we could mix Valentine's velocity and stuff with Belisle's control we would have a helluva pitcher.

[griffeyfan3]

yea too bad we cant do that...lol

[CincyRedsFan30]

This is awesome. I'm so pumped that the forum is now up!!

Could someone please make me a Casey avatar?

[redsrbetter]

Too many injuries going on right now. But we will see what the Doc can do along with Mann. Hopefully Hancock, Hudson, and Pena will be of good health very soon.

[jalexjsmithj]

I’m happy to take the Giants! (Hopefully this is the right thread)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HollywoodLeo]