PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets ace Johan Santana wants the ball on opening day.
Santana threw 46 pitches off a mound Wednesday in his most ambitious and productive bullpen session since the start of spring training, and he made it clear he wants to start for New York on April 6 in Cincinnati despite concerns over his tender elbow.
“I appreciate everything they’re doing trying to protect me and trying to keep me healthy,” Santana said. “But I’m a professional, and I know exactly what it takes for me to be ready. I’ve been doing this for years now, and I know exactly what I have to do and I’m pretty sure I’ll be ready for opening day.”
Santana has an irritated triceps tendon that has caused discomfort in his throwing elbow.
Griffey makes spring debut
PEORIA, Ariz. — Ken Griffey Jr. went hitless in two plate appearances as a designated hitter, his first spring training game since rejoining the Mariners. More important, his left knee held up just fine.
Facing Australia’s World Baseball Classic team, Griffey, 39, walked and flied out to center field before being taken out of the game as planned. The Australians won 11-9.
The next step for Griffey will be playing left field. No timetable has been set for that, and Griffey has said he doesn’t need much work to be prepared for the Mariners’ season opener against Minnesota on April 6.
Shields to start opener for Rays
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — James Shields is slated to start on opening day for the Rays.
Shields was a 14-game winner last season, when he was the opening-day starter. The Rays are scheduled to open at Boston on April 6, with Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine following Shields in the rotation. The fifth spot is up for grabs.
Wood progressing; Miller still out
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Kerry Wood reported no problems with his aching back after pitching batting practice for the first time, and the Indians’ new closer appears to be on track to start the season with the club.
Wood, who signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with Cleveland in December, threw his fastball and slider, striking out David Dellucci and Andy Marte.
“It felt good to face hitters,” Wood said.
The news on reliever Adam Miller wasn’t as promising. The Indians’ top prospect is still sidelined by soreness in he same right middle finger that required surgery last year, and he might not be ready when Cleveland breaks camp.
Footnotes.
Oakland pitcher Justin Duchscherer will get a second opinion on his sore right elbow, and it was uncertain whether he’d be ready to begin the season.
• Mike Rizzo will assume day-to-day control of the Nationals’ major-league operations after the resignation of general manager Jim Bowden.
The Associated Press
