Luvofthegame
09-13-2006, 09:58 PM
Cardinals hope to activate shortstop by next weekend
By Matthew Leach
MLB.com
9/13/06
David Eckstein took another step forward on Wednesday, taking live batting practice on the field at Busch Stadium prior to the Cardinals' game against the Astros. The Cards expect to activate Eckstein by the end of their next road trip, at the latest.
"My guess is, sometime next week, he'll be cleared," said manager Tony La Russa. "I don't know if he'll be cleared this weekend. I don't know if it will be Milwaukee; [it] might be Houston. But I know he's feeling better."
Eckstein has been out since Aug. 19 with a strained left oblique muscle. The shortstop reports no pain when he swings a bat, but he sometimes still feels a catch when he throws.
As a result, it's possible that Eckstein could be used as a pinch-hitter before he is cleared for a full return to active duty.
By Matthew Leach
MLB.com
9/13/06
David Eckstein took another step forward on Wednesday, taking live batting practice on the field at Busch Stadium prior to the Cardinals' game against the Astros. The Cards expect to activate Eckstein by the end of their next road trip, at the latest.
"My guess is, sometime next week, he'll be cleared," said manager Tony La Russa. "I don't know if he'll be cleared this weekend. I don't know if it will be Milwaukee; [it] might be Houston. But I know he's feeling better."
Eckstein has been out since Aug. 19 with a strained left oblique muscle. The shortstop reports no pain when he swings a bat, but he sometimes still feels a catch when he throws.
As a result, it's possible that Eckstein could be used as a pinch-hitter before he is cleared for a full return to active duty.