Nationals Notebook
Hill Is Hoping He'll Return In September
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Sunday, August 3, 2008
Before last night's game against the Cincinnati Reds, Shawn Hill walked through the Washington Nationals' clubhouse wearing a T-shirt and warmup pants and speaking to Nationals pitching coach Randy St. Claire. Hill might soon be walking through the clubhouse in a Nationals uniform and talking with St. Claire on the pitcher's mound.
Hill, the Nationals' talented but injury-prone right-hander, has started his throwing program, a major move since landing on the disabled list June 26 because of a strained right forearm.
"We are shooting to have him pitch here at the end of the year," Manager Manny Acta said.
Hill said he hopes to return to the mound by Sept. 1 before acknowledging that he might need five to 10 more days if his progress is slow.
Hill's current stint on the disabled list is his second this season and fourth in a career that began in 2004. In 12 starts this season, Hill is 1-4 with a 5.83 ERA. That's a decline from 2007, when Hill went 4-5 with a 3.42 ERA in 16 starts.
The mystery surrounding his injury resulted in a June trip to the Mayo Clinic. Although doctors found no structural damage, they recommended a program of rest and rehabilitation.
"It drove me nuts," Hill said. "The only thing that helped a little bit is I had stuff to do around the house. The whole time going in, there was a lot to do -- legs, cardio, core -- but I was not allowed to lift upper body."
He now is throwing long toss in an effort to rebuild strength in his right arm.
"It felt much better just this week throwing than when I was here before," Hill said. "The day-to-day stuff I don't feel now, where I did before. So that's a positive sign. But I might wake up Monday when I go play catch and it might kill me. So I have no idea."
Dukes a Late Scratch
Outfielder Elijah Dukes was scratched from yesterday's lineup after he was initially announced as the No. 3 batter and a starter in left field. A team spokesman said Dukes arrived late to the ballpark. Ryan Langerhans replaced Dukes and batted eighth in a shuffled lineup. Center fielder Lastings Milledge batted third.
