Cincinnati Reds' Drew Stubbs takes batting practice – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds' centre fielder Drew Stubbs on Wednesday, June 20, was seen taking batting practice for the first time since he was reduced to the disabled list. The player with strained left oblique, nonetheless – as reports suggest, will have to go for a rehab assignment in the Minors prior to making in appearance for the Reds.
However, that is hardly a matter of concern for the centre fielder given the pressing necessity of it. The player is certainly needed to bolster the line-up, but regaining the fitness is fundamentally important at this point in time.
Be that as it may, Wednesday’s batting practice is reassuring not only for Stubbs himself but also for the team as it indicates he can get back to the side earlier than expected.
"I took a lot of swings. Everything felt good," Stubbs said. "I feel ready and physically capable. Obviously I've sat out for two weeks, but I'm anxious to get back as soon as I can."
Stubbs sustained the injury the past week when he was facing the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitcher. The team had initially tried not to put him in the disabled list, but inevitability outweighed the any other choice.
All this while, the player kept his core engaged with as he worked on pulley machine. All that has gone to the advantage of the player – so it seems.
However, the very fact that the team is not demonstrating much of impatience and urgency to bring him back in the team shows it is the fitness of the player that holds importance at this stage. That he may have to go to Minors for rehab assignment was not denied by the team manager, Dusty Baker.
"That's a very good possibility," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "We think it's the best for him and us. We don't need him to come back and be struggling. You can take BP, but there's nothing like live pitching where you have to go get it."
As to when Stubbs returns is something unpredictable. However, when he comes, he is likely to strengthen the offence further.
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