Reds Notes
Harang sidelined with tightness in forearm
Friday, July 04, 2008
CINCINNATI — Aaron Harang has tightness in his forearm and won't make his scheduled start tonight.
Is that a big, "Oh, oh?"
Manager Dusty Baker says it is nothing serious and that Harang will start Tuesday, July 8, in Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs. Harang spent Friday morning on a training room table taking treatment.
"Harang has had a little stiffness in his forearm muscle, the same thing he had a couple of years ago," said Baker. "I'm told they skipped him a start, and he was fine the rest of the year."
Josh Fogg comes off the disabled list to start tonight's game after missing more than a month with lower back tightness.
"A month in the minors went good, now it's time to test the big leagues level again," said Fogg. "My first round (with the Reds) was not too successful (1-2, 9.85, four starts, seven relief appearances). Let's hope my second round is better."
Surgery for Hopper
After fighting it most of the year, outfielder Norris Hopper is undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery Tuesday on his right elbow.
"That's why I sent Paul Bako (left-hander) up to pinch-hit against Pittsburgh left-hander John Grabow," said Baker. "The only thing Hopper could do was pinch-run or bunt.
"He couldn't throw or get extended when he hit, and I could see him wince after swings," Baker said. "He had an MRI and determined he needed surgery."
Said Hopper, "It has bothered me since the first of May. I tried to play through it, but it became unbearable. They said it should be getting better when it was getting worse.
"This comes with the game, injuries are a part of it," Hopper said. "It's how you come back. I've talked to other players and, since I'm not a pitcher, it won't take as long. I start rehab the day after surgery, and I should be all right by spring training."
No trades for now
Rumors made the rounds in the last couple of days that David Weathers was traded to Florida — and there were two Florida scouts at the Pittsburgh series.
"Nothing to it that I know, haven't heard that at all," Baker said. "I keep hearing Aaron Harang's name, too, but that ain't gonna happen. At this time of year, teams swoop in to try to pick the cherries off the trees of teams that are not winning."
A deflating, sticky gag
When Washington's Austin Kearns drove to the park Friday, he decided it would be fun to park in Adam Dunn's spot. After all, they shared an apartment when both played for the Reds.
When Dunn arrived, he suffered parking rage. He deflated all four tires and swabbed peanut butter under all four door handles.
"Let's see how funny he thinks he is when he tries to leave the stadium in a hurry after the game," said Dunn.
Quote of the day
"This weekend is the Throwback Reds vs. the Reds." — Nationals third baseman Aaron Boone, noting that Washington not only has him on the roster, but other ex-Reds (Dmitri Young, Austin Kearns, Wily Mo Pena, Felipe Lopez and Ryan Wagner, plus coach Lenny Harris and front office types like Jim Bowden, Jose Rijo, Bob Boone and Barry Larkin.




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