Molina Getting Back in Stride

Luis Molina, the JetHawk shortstop whose season ended because of a knee injury in May, returned to the field this week. Sort of.

Molina can run in a straight line and play catch. It’s not much, but it beats sitting in street clothes, as he had been since Modesto’s Jose Castro upended him while breaking up a double play May 26.

“It feels good to be able to start running again,” Molina said.

JetHawk trainer Rob Nodine said Molina may be able to take batting practice with the JetHawks before the season ends, Sept. 1. He still isn’t likely to participate fully until spring training, though Nodine said his progress so far has been encouraging.

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Injured relief pitchers Chris Beck and Tom Szimanski each threw during a simulated game Thursday, and each reported no pain. Beck, who has been out since June 20 because of tendinitis, threw 40 pitches. Szimanski, out since July 6 because of a shoulder impingement, threw 15 pitches. Szimanski is expected to pitch next week. Beck is still questionable.

“It’s tough because the same guys have had to get up in close games every day, whereas if I was healthy or Beck was healthy, they might get a day off,” Szimanski said.

“I feel sorry for the guys having to soak up all those innings.”

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Infielder Jason Cook was given a day off Thursday. Cook has gone hitless in his last 25 at-bats, with his average dropping from .331 to .309. . . . With five runs batted in Wednesday night, Jesus Marquez increased his total to 88, second in the league. Marquez’s previous high was 38, his combined total among three teams in 1993.

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The JetHawks begin a six-game trip today against Northern Division teams. After that, they will finish the season with 22 consecutive games against Southern Division teams. . . . Tonight’s probable starter for Visalia is Jeremy Hernandez, a former Cal State Northridge standout.

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Tonight’s Game: JetHawks (Brett Hinchliffe, 7-8, 4.81) at Visalia (Jeremy Hernandez, 0-8, 5.74), 7:05.