Notes: Hancock nearing return

[missionhockey21]

08/07/2005 2:35 PM ET
Notes: Hancock nearing return
Pitcher expected to make two more rehab starts
By Kyle Jepson / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- Another piece of the pitching puzzle is about to suit up again in a Reds uniform.

Barring any setbacks, of course.

Josh Hancock made his sixth rehab start on Saturday in Louisville since injuring his groin before this season. The right-hander went six scoreless innings, scattering seven hits on the night.

"He said he felt good and there were no problems," head athletic trainer Mark Mann said. "He said he felt great last night."

Hancock looked great, anyway, pitching his best outing since coming off the injury.

After going 3-1 with a 4.33 ERA in nine starts with the Reds last season, the 27-year-old Hancock was supposed to help with the club's need for starting pitching. And after Paul Wilson had season-ending shoulder surgery on June 17, manager Jerry Narron said there was no doubt Hancock would've seen time on the mound this season.

Now, though, Narron said he really isn't sure where Hancock fits in when he rejoins the team. Hancock is tentatively slated to make two more rehab starts in the Minors -- Aug. 11 and 16.

"We've really just been concerned with getting him out on the mound and pitching and staying healthy," Narron said. "We'll see where he is at the end of that rehab, and see where we are -- what the needs are and what we need to look at."

In seven appearances in the Minors this season, Hancock is 0-1 with a 6.53 ERA.

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[redsrbetter]

I hope Hancock has a strong couple of outings in his rehap sessions. I think he needs to show that he can pitch and get hitters out before being considered to enter the reds staff. The rotation is finally clicking and the bullpen has been equally good. So who do you replace Hancock with? It is nice to finally have something going to show we are unsure of who to send down. Just wait until Wagner comes back as well.