Quote:
Injured third basemen closer to return
The Dodgers, who started the season with three third basemen on the disabled list and a rookie with no big league experience in the starting lineup, may soon be getting two of those veterans back.
Andy LaRoche took two rounds of batting practice and threw a baseball Friday, the first time he has done either since tearing a ligament in his right thumb during a March 7 spring training game. And Nomar Garciaparra, who sustained a fractured bone in his right hand in that same exhibition, is expected to leave on a minor league rehab assignment this morning.
"No pain at all," said LaRoche, who played catch with trainer Stan Conte between hitting sessions. "I want to stay out here all day. [But] I've still got to stay patient. Nature still has to take its course."
LaRoche, who was competing with Garciaparra for the starting job at third when he was hurt, was expected to be out two months after surgery on his thumb. But his rehabilitation is about two weeks ahead of schedule -- which is good news for LaRoche, who has seen Blake DeWitt play well in his absence.
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Full story.
I hope they keep DeWitt, and his .385 OBP, around, regardless of who comes back and when.
This is certainly good news, though.
Garciaparra and LaRoche Ahead of Schedule
Garciaparra and LaRoche Ahead of Schedule
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