San Diego Padres ace Jake Peavy has protective boot removed from ankle - ESPN



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SAN DIEGO -- Padres right-hander Jake Peavy had his right ankle removed from a protective boot Thursday and will begin a rehabilitation program.

Peavy, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 13 with a strained tendon in his right ankle, threw for the first time since going on the DL and said that he feels well.

"I'm just walking around pain free and feeling like I'm ready to get strong and work toward getting out on the field," Peavy said.

The 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner received a clean bill of health from team doctors to begin the rehabilitation process although there was no time frame for his return. Peavy's optimism contrasted general manager Kevin Towers's feelings earlier this week about his pitcher's health.

"I think it's 50-50 if Jake will pitch again this season," Towers said, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. "We'll know more when he comes out of the cast. I can't speak for Jake, but I'd much rather have him ready for 2010 than risking more serious injury by coming back too early this year."

Peavy, who hurt his ankle in late May while running the bases against the Chicago Cubs, was originally projected to be out 8-12 weeks.

Peavy is 6-6 with a 3.97 ERA in 13 starts for the last-place Padres.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.