Beermen add depth as Fajardo returns tomorrow

June Mar Fajardo will play limited minutes when he makes his much-awaited return from injury on Saturday as San Miguel battles Rain or Shine at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

Fajardo has been out for two months because of injury to his right shin and SMB coach Leo Austria wants his star center to slowly feel his way back into the rotation.

"I think he is ready to play (on Saturday), but I don't think he'll get his usual minutes," Austria said.

Fajardo's return should serve as a confidence-boost for the Beermen, who remain hopeful in their bid to secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

San Miguel won its last three games to move into sixth place at 5-4 behind the strong plays of import Kevin Murphy and Christian Standhardinger.

The 6-foot-10 center said he expects to be rusty in his first game back but vows to play with the same grit and passion that earned him four consecutive Most Valuable Player awards.

"Iniisip ko rin na siyempre nakakapanibago at medyo rusty siguro," Fajardo said. "Pero try ko pa rin yung best ko at ibibigay ko pa rin kung ano binigay ko nung naglalaro pa ako," he added.

Fajardo joins the San Miguel in practice for the first time since the injury on Thursday, although he has been working on his strengthening drills over the past two weeks.

"Yun (conditioning) lang yung iniisip ko. Kasi sobrang tagal ko di nakatakbo, mga two months," he said.