Friday, May 13, 2011
Posted: 8:05 p.m.Updated: May 14, 6:09 a.m.
By John R. Finger
CSNPhilly.com
ATLANTAIt didnt take Carlos Ruiz long to get back in Charlie Manuels lineup. As soon as the manager learned that Ruiz was ready to go after a couple of rehab games for Single A Clearwater, he was back in there for Friday nights game against the Braves at Turner Field.
The first day at Clearwater wasnt too good, but the second day I swung the bat a lot better, Ruiz said. I think Im ready to go.
Ruiz had been out with a lower back strain that initially appeared to be an injury that was going to clear up with a few days off. However, when it took a little longer than expected for Ruiz to return, he went on the disabled list.
With regular backup Brian Schneider out with a hamstring injury, Manuel says he likely will go with Dane Sardinha behind the plate for Saturdays afternoon game, but will work in Ruiz after that. After all, Ruiz says hes been pain free since last week.
When I left for Clearwater I didnt feel anything, Ruiz said. On the flight Friday morning it was OK, too.
MLB
In 22 games, including Friday's win in which he went 0 for 3, Ruiz is batting .215 with two home runs and nine RBIs. In six games since being called up from Triple A Lehigh Valley, Sardinha is 3 for 13 with three walks.
Chooch is our regular catcher and getting him back is going to help us, Manuel said.
Oswalt on the way back
While on the rehab assignment in Clearwater, Ruiz was the catcher for starter Roy Oswalts first outing for the Threshers. In five innings of work, Oswalt allowed seven hits and three runs to go with a walk and five strikeouts.
Reports from the game indicate that Oswalt didnt have much velocity on his fastball and his command of his pitches early in the outing was an issue, too.
He had some trouble with his location early. Later, the location was better, Ruiz.said, noting that Oswalt threw inside to right-handers well. He threw a lot of off-speed pitches. He threw it well.
Oswalts fastball velocity wasnt anything Ruiz or pitching coach Rich Dubee were too concerned about.
He said he was OK. I asked him before. He said, I feel fine, I dont feel anything, Ruiz said. It was hot, so some days you feel good and some days you dont have the energy. Thats a part of the game.
Said Dubee: He said it was OK. Overall it was alright.
Next, Oswalt will perform a bullpen session on Saturday morning in Clearwater before he rejoins the team in time to start on Tuesday night in St. Louis.
Remembering Killebrew
It was reported on Friday that Hall of Fame slugger Harmon Killebrew had entered hospice care when doctors determined there was nothing else they could do for him in his fight against cancer of the esophagus.
Killebrew, of course, was the model for the MLB logo and belted 573 home runs in 22 seasons in the big leagues, mostly with the Twins. He hit 40 or more homers eight times, drove in over 105 RBIs nine times and led the American League in homers six times.
Killebrew was one of the games biggest sluggers in an era where Mickey Mantle, Frank Robinson and Henry Aaron were the in their prime, yet Killebrew was right there with them.
Better yet, Killebrew was a mentor and a close friend to a young left-handed hitter named Chuck Manuel with the Minnesota Twins.
I used to be friends with him and Bob Allison, Manuel remembered before Fridays game. When I first came to the big leagues I had a locker right between them. I thought that was the greatest thing in the world.
For anyone who has ever had the chance to hear Manuel talk about hitting, they undoubtedly heard the tales of some of Killebrews homers and prowess at the plate. In fact, Manuel told a few stories about balls Killebrew hit over the roof at Tiger Stadium before the game Friday.
Hes definitely one of my favorite players, Manuel said. He was really a first-class guy. Hes a great guyhes quieter than Jim Thome, but theyre similar. Theyre genuine guys. Theyre real. He was so personable.
Killebrew released a statement on Friday explaining his decision to end cancer treatment and enter hospice.
With the continued love and support of my wife, Nita, I have exhausted all options, Killebrew said in a statement.
I have spent the past decade of my life promoting hospice care and educating people on its benefits. I am very comfortable taking this next step and experiencing the compassionate care that hospice provides.
Killebrew received the diagnosis in December and was able to visit the Twins training camp in Ft. Myers, Fla. in March. However, in April he was unable to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Twins home opener.
Coming out of spring training I heard he was having a rougher time, Manuel said. I hate that, because he was a super guy. Not only did I enjoy watching him play, but he was a friend of mine. I got to see him play for four or five years and he was enjoyable to watch. Hes a first-class guy. I feel very sad for him.
E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com
