Wohlers Going Back to Minors

Reliever Mark Wohlers of the Cincinnati Reds is headed to the minor leagues again to see if he can throw strikes in a game.

Wohlers threw batting practice to teammates and did well enough to let the Reds approve his next step. He’ll report to one of their minor league teams in the next week to start a rehabilitation assignment.

“I’m ready,” he said. “I’m excited with the way I’m throwing the ball. Now it’s time to start applying what I’ve worked on over the last couple of months in game situations.”

The Reds got Wohlers from the Atlanta Braves in a trade for John Hudek on April 16 and put him on the disabled list because of anxiety disorder. Essentially, he lost the ability to throw strikes.

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San Diego Padre pitcher Andy Ashby was scratched from a scheduled start against the Houston Astros on Saturday night and put on the 15-day disabled list because of a lower back strain.