News
Silva still aiming for late-season return
Right-hander won't be rushed back if injury risk is prevalent
Carlos Silva has been on the DL since May 9 with right shoulder inflammation. (Mark Avery/AP)
By Christian Caple / MLB.com
08/09/09 3:55 PM EST
SEATTLE -- It may still be a while until injured Mariners starter Carlos Silva appears in a baseball game, but he's getting there. Silva threw from a distance of about 100 feet prior to Seattle's game against Tampa Bay on Saturday, and on Sunday, manager Don Wakamatsu said Silva is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Tuesday. It's an encouraging sign for the right-hander, who has been on the disabled list since May 9 with right shoulder inflammation. "It'd be nice to be able to get him going, and again, to be able to say that he might be able to come back and help us," Wakamatsu said. "But the most important thing for us is that we're not trying to rush him to where we risk any injury." Silva has struggled in his Mariners career, compiling a record of 5-18 with a 6.77 ERA in 34 starts since signing as a free agent prior to the 2008 season. If he can make it back onto the mound this season, it would help Silva mentally as he heads into the offseason, Wakamatsu said."Whether it's pitching in September or whether it's that he leaves at the end of the year going 'Next year is a fresh start, my arm feels healthy and I've got a chance this winter to really make some progress and come back and be a force.'"
Christian Caple is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
