Velarde Suffers Setback With Elbow

The tendinitis in second baseman Randy Velarde’s surgically reconstructed right elbow hasn’t improved over the last five days and he’s scheduled to be examined by team physician Lewis Yocum today or Saturday.

“It’s tight, really tight right now,” said Velarde, who missed all of last season after major elbow surgery in April. “I think they want me to go at least a week with no throwing or hitting to see if we can cool it down in there, but it’s still really tender.”

X-rays taken Thursday showed no new problems, but Velarde may undergo an MRI today or Saturday.

“Hopefully, this setback is only temporary and there will be enough time to get him ready,” Manager Terry Collins said. “The problem is that we can’t even DH him now because they don’t want him to swing. But we’ll find a way to get him his at-bats as soon as he’s ready.”

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Omar Olivares, who was impressive in his spring debut Sunday when he pitched two no-hit innings, had greater difficulty in his second start Thursday against the White Sox in Tucson.

He gave up runs in three of the four innings he pitched and left after allowing five runs on eight hits. Chicago won, 17-8.

“The first time out, I stayed pretty much with my fastball,” said Olivares, who was 6-10 with Detroit and Seattle last season. “This time, I was working in more breaking balls and changeups and I just didn’t have command of my other pitches except the sinker.

“But that’s what spring is for. And the good news is that I threw 73 pitches and felt really strong the whole way.”

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Collins shrugged off Olivares’ troubles but he is obviously more concerned about Pep Harris’ woes. Harris gave up eight runs--including a grand slam to Mike Cameron--walked three and managed to get only two batters out.

“He’s really struggling,” Collins said. “His ball has no life. He lives and dies with his sinker and his ball is straight as a string right now.”