amag
10-13-2002, 05:43 PM
Cards Notebook: Rolen works out indoors, might be ready for Game 5
By Joe Strauss
Of the Post-Dispatch
10/13/2002 12:13 AM
SAN FRANCISCO - Third baseman Scott Rolen passed a preliminary but important test Saturday in his quest to return to action before completion of the NL Championship Series.
Before Game 3 on Saturday, Rolen and Cardinals medical-rehabilitation coordinator Mark O'Neal conducted a workout in the visitors' indoor batting cage. Rolen took ground balls from his knees and swung at pitches on a tee for the first time since suffering multiple sprains of his left shoulder in Game 2 of the division series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa called any suggestion that Rolen could hit or play defense Saturday "a joke," but the pregame workout supported the team's hopes that Rolen may contribute as soon as Game 5 on Monday.
Rolen may be ready for outside drills Sunday.
La Russa said he could use Rolen as a pinch-runner, probably for a slow-footed player such as catcher Mike Matheny. "He'll get there quicker," La Russa said. "We'll just remind him that if you have to slide, just take the tag and you're out."
By Joe Strauss
Of the Post-Dispatch
10/13/2002 12:13 AM
SAN FRANCISCO - Third baseman Scott Rolen passed a preliminary but important test Saturday in his quest to return to action before completion of the NL Championship Series.
Before Game 3 on Saturday, Rolen and Cardinals medical-rehabilitation coordinator Mark O'Neal conducted a workout in the visitors' indoor batting cage. Rolen took ground balls from his knees and swung at pitches on a tee for the first time since suffering multiple sprains of his left shoulder in Game 2 of the division series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa called any suggestion that Rolen could hit or play defense Saturday "a joke," but the pregame workout supported the team's hopes that Rolen may contribute as soon as Game 5 on Monday.
Rolen may be ready for outside drills Sunday.
La Russa said he could use Rolen as a pinch-runner, probably for a slow-footed player such as catcher Mike Matheny. "He'll get there quicker," La Russa said. "We'll just remind him that if you have to slide, just take the tag and you're out."