USA TODAY International Edition
Injured NL stars springing back
Buster Posey, Ryan Howard among players showing signs of a strong comeback,
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A smattering of fans erupted in cheers when Buster Posey launched two of the first five battingpractice pitches he saw over the fence Sunday as the San Francisco Giants opened spring training.
“All right, Buster. You’re back, baby,” one follower yelled.
It might be a bit early for such pronouncements, but Posey is one of three National League stars giving signs of successful comebacks from serious injuries.
New York Mets ace Johan Santana, who is battling back from shoulder surgery and hasn’t pitched in the majors since Sept. 2, 2010, had a 25pitch bullpen session during the weekend.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, who tore his left Achilles tendon on the final play of the NL Division Series last year, is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
Besides swinging the bat with authority, Posey caught bullpen sessions from starters Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, blocked balls and put his surgically repaired right ankle through a full workout. Posey broke his left leg and tore three ankle ligaments in a May 25 home- plate collision with the Florida Marlins’ Scott Cousins.
“I was really happy with the way everything felt,” said Posey, the 2010 NL rookie of the year. “Sometime probably in January, I got past a certain point where I felt ready.”
In an effort to keep his cleanup hitter and team leader in the lineup, manager Bruce Bochy has instructed Posey to avoid collisions at the plate. “There are ways to make the tag without putting yourself in jeopardy,” said Bochy, a former major league catcher.
The Mets are being cautiously optimistic with Santana, whose expected 2011 return was sidetracked by setbacks. He pitched from a mound Friday for the first time since last season. Howard has been cleared to resume some baseball activities but might not rejoin the Phillies lineup until May.