DUNEDIN, Fla. — Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells injured his left hamstring during drills Monday and could be sidelined for most of spring training.
It’s the same hamstring that kept the two-time all-star out for a month last season. Results of an MRI were pending.
“Right now, preliminarily, I’d say he’s going to miss four weeks,” general manager J.P. Ricciardi said.
Schmidt sharp
PHOENIX — Admittedly nervous, Dodgers pitcher Jason Schmidt had modest expectations for his twice-repaired right shoulder in his return to the mound.
“My biggest goal was to get out there and walk off in one piece,” said Schmidt, who threw nine of his 11 pitches for strikes and retired three of the four batters he faced. “I wanted to be able to come out knowing I don’t have to ice. I think I accomplished that, as long as I don’t trip on the way to the clubhouse.”
Zambrano says shoulder OK
MESA, Ariz. — Carlos Zambrano is showing no signs of the shoulder problems that hampered him last season, although the Cubs are taking a conservative approach with their ace this spring.
“Physically, I feel the best I’ve ever felt in spring training,” Zambrano said after a throwing session against hitters. “I’m not a rookie. I know what to do and I know my job here is to get ready.”
Zambrano is not scheduled to pitch in a spring training exhibition until next Monday.
Padres limiting Kouzmanoff
PEORIA, Ariz. — Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, who underwent shoulder surgery Nov. 15, is limiting his throws to protect his arm.
“We have a long spring, so I can back off a little, or ease into it,” the former Evergreen High School standout said before adding he has no concerns about being ready for opening day against Los Angeles on April 6.
Footnotes.
The Nationals released disgruntled pitcher Odalis Perez a day after the left-hander failed to show up at spring training by the mandatory reporting deadline.
• Barry Bonds’ personal trainer Greg Anderson was ordered to appear before a federal judge Wednesday and say whether he’ll break his silence and testify at the slugger’s perjury trial in San Francisco.
• Red Sox right-hander Brad Penny, limited to 19 games last season with the Dodgers because of shoulder problems, threw 30 pitches and stayed on track to be ready for the start of the regular season.
• Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley signed a contract extension to serve as an analyst with TBS.
The Associated Press
