Zeile close to catching
September 12, 2004
One pitch before his two-run home run in the eighth inning yesterday, Pat Burrell really hurt the Mets. His follow- through on the previous swing struck catcher Jason Phillips in the back with such force that Phillips' back was X-rayed after the 13-inning game.
"He hit the bone that sticks out," Phillips said. "It's not broken, but now it sticks out even more." So much, perhaps, that Phillips may be unable to play this afternoon.
That might put Todd Zeile back behind the plate for the first time since 1990. He had wanted to catch one more time before retiring in October, and manager Art Howe was willing to give him the opportunity later in the season.
But Mike Piazza's knee and Vance Wilson's hand may force Howe's hand today. "It's a possibility," the manager said.
Zeile caught Tom Glavine in the bullpen Friday night, and Glavine is to pitch this afternoon. "He's our easiest starter to catch," Zeile said.
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Padilla will be making his first career start on three days rest. Despite spending most of the season on the DL with right triceps tenditis, manager Larry Bowa is not concerned about using Padilla on short rest.
September 12, 2004
One pitch before his two-run home run in the eighth inning yesterday, Pat Burrell really hurt the Mets. His follow- through on the previous swing struck catcher Jason Phillips in the back with such force that Phillips' back was X-rayed after the 13-inning game.
"He hit the bone that sticks out," Phillips said. "It's not broken, but now it sticks out even more." So much, perhaps, that Phillips may be unable to play this afternoon.
That might put Todd Zeile back behind the plate for the first time since 1990. He had wanted to catch one more time before retiring in October, and manager Art Howe was willing to give him the opportunity later in the season.
But Mike Piazza's knee and Vance Wilson's hand may force Howe's hand today. "It's a possibility," the manager said.
Zeile caught Tom Glavine in the bullpen Friday night, and Glavine is to pitch this afternoon. "He's our easiest starter to catch," Zeile said.
=====
Padilla will be making his first career start on three days rest. Despite spending most of the season on the DL with right triceps tenditis, manager Larry Bowa is not concerned about using Padilla on short rest.
