Salkeld Is Sharp in First Game Back

Roger Salkeld, a former standout at Saugus High, pitched five scoreless innings for the double-A Jacksonville Suns on Friday night in Jacksonville, Fla.

It was the first game since 1991 for Salkeld, who has been out with shoulder problems.

Salkeld, selected by the Seattle Mariners with the third pick overall in the 1989 draft, gave up three hits, struck out seven and walked two. He was scheduled to throw only 60 to 75 pitches, and he left after 75, which included 50 strikes.

Jacksonville lost to Huntsville (Ala.), 5-3, in 10 innings.

Once considered the top prospect in the Mariner organization, Salkeld missed the 1992 season after developing soreness in his shoulder during spring training. In November, he underwent reconstructive surgery on his shoulder capsule similar to the operation performed on Orel Hershiser of the Dodgers.

The prognosis was he would miss the 1993 season. But Salkeld, 22, went to spring training with the Mariners in March. He began pitching in exhibition games during extended spring training in May.