A's Duchscherer and Gallagher aim to return before season ends

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 29, 2008 | by Joe Stiglich

OAKLAND -- Justin Duchscherer and Sean Gallagher are nursing different injuries, but the goal is the same: Return to the starting rotation before the end of the regular season.

Duchscherer, who received a cortisone shot last week to ease the pain in his sore right hip, played catch for the first time Thursday and again before Friday's game with Minnesota.

"It feels fine," said Duchscherer, who went on the DL after leaving an Aug. 18 start with pain. "I got a cortisone shot a week ago, and I feel like I did before it started bothering me. I feel normal. Right now I'm trying to get my throwing up, so I can get on the mound and throw a bullpen session and see how it feels. If it feels good, I'll be pitching soon."

Gallagher, who was shut down with tired-arm symptoms, threw about 30 pitches off the mound Thursday at about 80 percent effort and said his arm responded well. "I could actually feel the ball come out of my hand," Gallagher said. "Before I could hardly feel my arm. That's why (Thursday) I had a little more control."

Manager Bob Geren said Gallagher might throw a simulated game Sunday but that Duchscherer's progress would be monitored daily.

Ziggy honored

Geren presented closer Brad Ziegler a plaque in a pregame ceremony to commemorate Ziegler's major-league-record 39 straight scoreless innings to start his career.

On hand were Ziegler's wife, Kristi, daughter, Kaylin, his parents and sister, who all flew in from Kansas City just for the night. An aunt and uncle also made the trip from Tyler, Texas, along with his grandmother. To help arrange flights, Ziegler enlisted the help of another aunt and uncle, Adena and Tony DiTonno, who live in Redwood City and have allowed him to stay at their house since he was called up May 30.

Short hops

Second baseman Mark Ellis (sore right shoulder) took grounders before the game without throwing. Geren said the earliest Ellis may return is Sunday but Tuesday's game at Kansas City was more realistic. ... Mike Sweeney (knee surgery) had a two-run homer and four RBI for Sacramento on Friday, the eighth game of his rehab assignment. Geren said Sweeney will try to play nine innings at first base in the coming days. "... Left-hander Josh Outman, part of the Philadelphia trade for Joe Blanton, was promoted recently to Triple-A and threw 51/3 shutout innings Thursday with seven strikeouts and two walks.

-- Joe Stiglich