CLEARWATER, Fla. — Shortstop Jimmy Rollins, recovering from a sprained left ankle, said he is almost ready to rejoin the Phillies after going 2-for-4 with a solo homer Tuesday in an extended spring game against the Yankees.
Rollins is 6-for-8 with a homer, three doubles and four RBIs in two extended spring training games.
The reigning NL MVP is to play for Clearwater of the Florida State League today. The Phillies want him to play an additional rehab game after that.
“Their schedule is they want me to be here Thursday, but mine says I have a plane ticket,” he said.
Footnotes.
Barry Zito, demoted to the Giants bullpen last week, is returning to the starting rotation and is scheduled to start today’s game in Pittsburgh.
• Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling tested his ailing shoulder by playing catch on flat ground but isn’t ready to begin throwing off a mound.
“It’s a good step for him,” manager Terry Francona said, “but he’s not ready yet.”
• Indians catcher Victor Martinez was pulled from the lineup because of a stiff neck.
• Arizona second baseman Orlando Hudson is out indefinitely because of a sore right hamstring.
• Brewers manager Ned Yost said he’s sticking with Eric Gagne as the team’s closer.
• Reds general manager Walt Jocketty acknowledged outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. might be traded during the season.
The Associated Press
