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Simulated Game Next for Linebrink


Jake

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I know a lot of you have been wondering about his progress, so I thought I would post this from whitesox.com

 

BOSTON -- One simulated game, scheduled for Monday afternoon in Cleveland, appears to be all that's separating Scott Linebrink from a highly anticipated return to the White Sox.

Even if all goes well and Linebrink pronounces himself ready by some time in the middle of next week, don't look for the setup man to resume his eighth-inning role any time soon.

 

"Even when I'm activated and they want me in a game, they're going to be careful," said Linebrink, after throwing a successful bullpen session prior to Friday's series opener at Fenway Park. "Like [White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper] and I were talking the other day in Baltimore, when we had a huge lead, I might come in and pitch the ninth inning, something like that first time out if we have that luxury.

 

"Certainly, the team's situation is more important than any of my work, and this isn't really the place to rehab. But if they see I have good enough stuff in these simulated games and get out there in a non-pressure situation and able to get through it all right, we can start working my way back into that role I was in. I don't know if I'll be in the eighth inning, but at least being in a spot to contribute to a team."

 

Linebrink threw 30 pitches Friday, working on his fastball location, in and out, while mixing in changeups and even a few split-fingers. The most encouraging sign for Linebrink and the White Sox was that he felt the best he has when throwing after taking a day off (Thursday) since he started working his way back during this five-week period on the disabled list with shoulder problems.

 

"Probably for a bullpen setting, this is about the most intensity you're going to get," Linebrink said. "You have to add on the final finish, when you're out there and get the game adrenaline going.

 

"That's what I'm curious to see, and a simulated [game] might be more intensity, just with seeing hitters there and make your pitches and make your game type situations. I'm curious to see after that how it reacts. That will be a telltale sign."

 

Both Cooper and manager Ozzie Guillen were highly encouraged by Linebrink's side session. His return could come in the next week, although not immediately back into the role where he previously excelled.

 

"We could not feel comfortable about that right now," said Cooper of Linebrink working the eighth. "We have to get him back in action first, see how he's doing. I'm not thinking about that right now. Maybe someone else is, but I'm not."

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Linebrink's simulated game

By Mark Gonzales, 1:39 p.m.

 

CLEVELAND - White Sox reliever Scott Linebrink threw a simulated game Monday at Progressive Field and didn't appear to have any setbacks, although his control didn't appear extremely sharp.

 

Linebrink threw 29 pitches to Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson -- all from the stretch position. This was the closest Linebrink has come to live competition since July 22, his last appearance before he was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of tendinitis behind his right shoulder.

 

Owens and Anderson watched most of the pitches while standing in the batter's box. Owens swung at four pitches, fouling off three and hitting a grounder to second base.

 

Manager Ozzie Guillen watched the simulated game from behind the backstop, and pitching coach Don Cooper observed while standing behind Linebrink.

 

We'll have more details later, as the clubhouse opens in about an hour.

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QUOTE (scenario @ Sep 1, 2008 -> 02:49 PM)
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Linebrink's simulated game

By Mark Gonzales, 1:39 p.m.

 

CLEVELAND - White Sox reliever Scott Linebrink threw a simulated game Monday at Progressive Field and didn't appear to have any setbacks, although his control didn't appear extremely sharp.

 

Linebrink threw 29 pitches to Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson -- all from the stretch position. This was the closest Linebrink has come to live competition since July 22, his last appearance before he was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of tendinitis behind his right shoulder.

 

Owens and Anderson watched most of the pitches while standing in the batter's box. Owens swung at four pitches, fouling off three and hitting a grounder to second base.

 

Manager Ozzie Guillen watched the simulated game from behind the backstop, and pitching coach Don Cooper observed while standing behind Linebrink.

 

We'll have more details later, as the clubhouse opens in about an hour.

 

So, Jerry Owens couldn't even get a hit in a simulated game?

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