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Phillies say injury to Polanco is minor

 
Tampa Bay Times
Published March 18, 2012

CLEARWATER — The Phillies got some good news Sunday when X-rays on 3B Placido Polanco's left ring finger came back negative. The All-Star is listed as day to day with a sprain.

Polanco injured his hand diving back into first base on a pickoff play in the first inning of Saturday's win over the Blue Jays. Former Ray Ty Wigginton was in the starting lineup at third base against Toronto on Sunday.

The Phillies are missing three-fourths of their infield. 1B Ryan Howard and 2B Chase Utley haven't played this spring. Howard's return is uncertain after having surgery on his Achilles. Utley has a chronic knee condition but hopes to play in a game soon.

NO WORRIES: LHP Cole Hamels gave up five runs and seven hits in 31/3 innings during the Phillies' 10-2 loss to the Blue Jays but said he felt fine.

"I was very happy with what I was able to do," Hamels said.

"It's all about fine-tuning now, to be able to throw all of your pitches where you want to. It's nice to know you can go out there and be free and easy and build up the arm strength that you have to have. I feel I'm getting there."

Yanks: Reliever better

TAMPA — Yankees RH reliever David Robertson, sidelined with a foot injury, threw a 25-pitch bullpen session and barring complications could be ready to pitch by the end of the week, according to a radio report.

Robertson, who hurt his right foot when he fell down the stairs in his apartment March 7, hasn't thrown in a Grapefruit League game since making his debut March 5 against the Phillies.

An MRI exam showed that he had suffered a bone bruise, and he was shut down.

WFAN in New York said that Robertson, 26, felt "fine" after his session and added that he "expects to get back into a game by next weekend at the latest."

Robertson, the top setup man for veteran closer Mariano Rivera, had a 1.08 ERA in 70 relief appearances last season for the Yankees, striking out 100 and walking 35 in 662/3 innings.

Jays: Using caution

DUNEDIN — Blue Jays 3B Brett Lawrie was held out of action for the second straight day because of tightness in his left groin.

Lawrie, who is heading into his first full big-league season, was hurt while trying to score from second base during Friday's victory over the Rays. He already has been ruled out of Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, which follows today's off day for Toronto.

He said the injury isn't serious but didn't mind being cautious with more than two weeks of spring training left.

"Good, getting better every day," Lawrie said of his status. Sunday "feels a lot better just from mobility-wise, moving it around and stuff. Every day is a new day and just getting better."

Lawrie said there is no timetable for his return.

"It's just personal preference based on feel," he said.

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ROSTER TRIMS: The Blue Jays returned RHPs Jerry Gil and Deck McGuire and C A.J. Jimenez to minor-league camp and optioned C Travis D'Arnaud and 1B Mike McDade to minor-league camp.