| DENVER -- The bulky brace spanning Larry Walker's right arm
was the only indication that the two-time defending NL batting
champion remains an observer when game time arrives.
| |  | |
| Walker |
Walker, who has been sidelined with an elbow injury since May
11, had an encouraging batting practice session Monday, hitting two
balls into the bullpen beyond right field.
"He said he felt fine swinging," Rockies trainer Tom Probst
said. "He felt comfortable and pain-free."
The Colorado right fielder also played catch for the third
straight day, but his return remains uncertain as the Rockies take
a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
"That would all be speculation because it could turn a heck of
a lot better than it is right now. It could turn a heck of a lot
worse," Probst said. "To put a date on it, that's just not
fair."
Despite Walker's absence, the Rockies have flourished without
the six-time Gold Glove winner, going 11-4. Todd Helton has been a
big reason for the success. He leads the majors with a .417 average
with 17 homers and 49 RBI.
"We're showing what kind of team we are," reliever Gabe White
said. "What if you throw Walker in there, hitting .350 or .400
maybe with a healthy arm? We've got a good team and we never give
up."
Colorado's success has helped manager Buddy Bell succumb to the
temptation of rushing Walker's return. He considered allowing
Walker to be the designated hitter when the Rockies play a
three-game interleague series at Seattle on June 5-7, but the risk
outweighs the reward.
Even after Walker's lively 20-swing hitting session, Bell
tempered his enthusiasm.
"That's positive, but I'm not really paying much attention to
it right now," he said. "I can't let myself."
In addition to Walker's injury, the Rockies were temporarily
without starting left fielder Jeffrey Hammonds, who strained his
left hip flexor Saturday.
Hammonds sat out Sunday's series finale against Pittsburgh but
returned Monday against Houston. He had an RBI single as a
pinch-hitter in the sixth and remained in the game for the final
three innings.
"He said he was fine," Bell said. "I thought another day
would make sense. Unfortunately we couldn't give him a whole day,
but he should be all right." | |
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