Posted June 10, 200618 yr Notes: Willingham out for the series Left fielder sidelined against Padres by hand injury SAN DIEGO -- Being strikeout victim No. 15 for Jason Schmidt on Tuesday night in San Francisco has become a painful experience for Marlins rookie Josh Willingham. During that ninth-inning at-bat, where Willingham struck out swinging on a full-count pitch, the Florida left fielder aggravated his left hand. In all, Schmidt struck out 16 Marlins, with Willingham going down on strikes for the second out in the ninth. Willingham was scratched from the lineup before Wednesday's game in San Francisco. Marlins manager Joe Girardi said Willingham also had some lower back stiffness. Willingham was hoping Thursday's day off would give him ample time to rest for the weekend series in San Diego. But before Friday night's game at PETCO Park, Willingham left the park to get an MRI on his left hand. "It's precautionary," Willingham said. "I strained my hand swinging." To play it safe, Girardi said he is leaning toward sitting Willingham during the three-game series in San Diego. The Marlins are off on Monday before facing the Braves at Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday, which would likely be the earliest Willingham returns. "He was a little sore and his back has been a little stiff," Girardi said. "His hand did get better. But we're just making sure we're doing the right treatments and there is nothing more than a little soreness in the hand. "The hand is such a funny thing. There are so many different little bones, ligaments and tendons. We've just got to make sure there isn't more than what you think it is. We just think it's a little soreness." Willingham has been one of the young Marlins' top run producers. He's hit cleanup much of the season, but has moved to fifth of late. During the road trip, he's 5-for-16 with two home runs and two RBIs. For the season, the Florence, Ala., native is hitting .267. He's tied with Miguel Cabrera and Dan Uggla for the team lead in home runs (nine). And he's third on the team in RBIs with 34. Joe Borchard filled in for Willingham on Friday. Results of the MRI revealed a left strained hand. Willingham is listed as day-to-day, although he isn't expected to play the rest of this series. Girardi will take left field on a day-to-day basis. Cody Ross is an option to play left field. Rookies wild: A year ago, rookies made a major impact in the Braves winning their 14th straight divisional title. In all, Atlanta used 18 rookies to remain atop the National League East. While the Marlins are going through some growing pains, they now have used the services of 18 rookies this season. Currently, 14 of the 25 on the active roster are rookies, including eight pitchers. Eight of Florida's rookies made their MLB debut this season. Some of the rookies, like many of the regulars (Hanley Ramirez, Mike Jacobs, Uggla and Willingham) project to have more than 500 at-bats. "Because of the situation we're in, they're going to get 550-to-600 at-bats," Girardi said. "That's unusual for a rookie." In reflecting on the high rookie total, Girardi says it seems like 18 rookies have been with the club because of all the lineup cards he has handed out. Girardi has given out lineup cards for first home runs, first saves, first wins and debuts. Chances are, the reliance on rookies isn't over. As the season progresses, the Marlins likely will dip into their Minor League system for more prospects, depending on the needs of the time. Clearing waivers: Reliever Franklyn German is remaining within the Marlins' system. But Todd Wellemeyer's tenure with the club has ended. On Friday, German cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Albuquerque. Wellemeyer, meanwhile, was claimed off waivers by the Royals. The two relievers were designated for assignment on June 2, giving them a 10-day window to either be traded, claimed, clear waivers or accept the assignment. German, who went on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis on May 10, appeared in 12 games with the Marlins this season, logging 12 innings, while posting a 3.00 ERA. He walked 14, while striking out six. Wellemeyer was 0-2 with a 5.48 ERA in 22 games, giving up 10 runs on 20 hits in 21 1/3 innings. He struck out 17, while walking 13.
June 10, 200618 yr I'm glad that German will remain in the organization. Agreed, although he's not incredibly young, he's young enough to be able to turn his career around if he can reach his potential.
June 10, 200618 yr Glad to hear German is going to stay in the organization. Surprised noone claimed him.
June 10, 200618 yr Haha in your face Welly! Joining major league's version of a black hole. Hahahahaha.
June 10, 200618 yr Haha in your face Welly! Joining major league's version of a black hole. Hahahahaha. Isn't it bad when even we can laugh at the Royals? Actually, it should be haha Royals, you just got Wellemeyer!
June 11, 200618 yr I think Wellemeyer is going to become their closer, atliest the 8th inning guy. isn't macdougal their closer? i think he's pretty good , well at least on MLB 2K6 he is... welley will be a great player if he could just get accuracy, the walks all translated into runs which obviously hurt him. good luck with the royals todd
June 11, 200618 yr I think Wellemeyer is going to become their closer, atliest the 8th inning guy. isn't macdougal their closer? i think he's pretty good , well at least on MLB 2K6 he is... welley will be a great player if he could just get accuracy, the walks all translated into runs which obviously hurt him. good luck with the royals todd I believe he got hurt.
June 11, 200618 yr I think Royals bullpen is worst then ours when we started judging the fans reaction to our reaction on Messenger giving up a walk off homer, Kensing giving us the walk off hit, Borowski giving up a walk off homer, Wellemeyer just blowing up the game in the 8th, etc.
June 11, 200618 yr isn't macdougal their closer? i think he's pretty good , well at least on MLB 2K6 he is... That's a video game, not reality. In a video game, Juan Pierre can hit 35 HR's.
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