Dodgers first baseman Nomar Garciaparra returned from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday and started against Colorado. But the fact his right knee had healed sufficiently to allow him to play didn't necessarily mean he was fully recovered from the sprain that had kept him out for the previous two weeks.
"Not at all," Garciaparra said. "It's going to affect me running, especially running the bases. There will definitely be some precautions taken, and you definitely aren't going to see me go full-bore."
Manager Grady Little said he might use a pinch runner for Garciaparra in certain late- inning situations and that Garciaparra also will get plenty of days off until he is 100 percent healthy. But no thought was given, either by Garciaparra or by club officials, to letting the injury heal completely before he returned.
"No, because that's going to take a long time," Garciaparra said. "These injuries take a while. They can take anywhere from four to six weeks before you're 100 percent. I don't think any of us are 100 percent this time of year, and neither will I be."
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Nomar ailing, but playing
Nomar ailing, but playing
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