Cincinnati Reds’ Zack Cozart all set to return after strained left oblique – MLB News
Cincinnati Reds' shortstop Zack Cozart stated on Friday, September 21, that he was itching to play, as the player was back in the cage. Cozart who has not played since September 4, due to a strained left oblique, seems all set to get back in to the action again.
"I'm itching to play and I told [acting manager Chris Speier] I feel good," Cozart said. "He came and watched me hit [Thursday] in the cage. He saw me letting it loose, then taking a little break and then hitting again and everything felt good. I'm excited."
He has so far missed 14 games. But the fitness problem, the Reds will gratefully say, has not affected the team much given the fact that they are inching towards postseason games. Also, if the Reds win Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, this will officially be the day to clinch the National League Central title.
Speier, on the other hand, said he wanted to give the rookie shortstop another day as a precautionary measure. Cozart, it is important to note, has remained quite consistent throughout the season.
"He's been after me about, 'When am I going to get out there? When am I going to play?'" Speier said. "I got the OK from doc that he was ready. I know he was ready [Thursday] and he said, 'If you need me, I'm available.' But I wanted to give him one more day and let him get back here to the home turf.”
If Cozart’s return is on Saturday, it will coincide with the potential National League Central title victory as the Reds are a game away to clinch that.
The Reds will have around 13 games remaining now before they play the postseason games. Cozart’s return earlier will bode well both for him and the team itself.
Having appeared in 128 games this season and with 527 at-bats, he has hit 32 RBIs and 15 home runs, maintaining a .241 average.
Just when the 2012 regular season is coming to an end with a positive note for the Reds, it will be interesting to see what contribution Cozart will make in the postseason games.
Tags: