Reliever Williams’ Season in Jeopardy

Jeff Williams, on the disabled list since April 24 because of a left wrist strain, might be out for the season if the strength in his hand does not return soon, the left-handed relief pitcher said before Saturday’s game.

“The nerve is not sending a signal to my hand,” he said. “The muscle has atrophied, big time. It’s like I’m throwing the ball with just one finger on it, half of what you usually throw with.”

Williams struggled with his control this season, getting shelled for an ERA of 18.00 in four games.

Williams, 27, said he had a similar problem in his elbow in college.

“But I knew exactly where the nerve was irritated, up in the elbow,” he said. “Strange thing about this one is I have no idea where it is. They just assume it’s in the wrist, but I’m having no problem with the wrist, no pain, but it’s a little stiff.”

Williams estimated that a decision on surgery could occur within three weeks, especially if he doesn’t regain strength in his hand.

“It’s pretty frustrating not knowing exactly what it is,” he said. “Not knowing, you don’t know if you’re treating it correctly. We don’t really know what tomorrow holds. I’ve just got to be patient today.”

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Philadelphia Phillie center fielder Doug Glanville feels for the Dodgers in the wake of their incident at Wrigley Field on May 16.

Glanville, who began his career with the Chicago Cubs and played two seasons with Wrigley as his home turf, said he sees how such a melee could occur.

“The fans there are right on top of you and it only takes one person and something like that can happen,” Glanville said. “They are tough [toward visiting teams]. San Francisco’s really tough too.”

Glanville said he has felt a definite difference in attitude toward him by the Wrigley Field fans since he was traded to Philadelphia after the 1997 season.

“They’re some of the more intense in terms of getting on visiting players,” he said. “And with the intimacy, if something inflammatory happens, I can see how it can get worse because they are right on top of you.”

Still, Glanville understands why so many Dodgers were in the bullpen area during the scrape.

“When you see a teammate in a vulnerable position, you’ve got to help him. You can’t just leave him there to die,” Glanville said. “I recognize that you should be punished for actions like that, but I also recognize that it’s a difficult position to be in.”

TODAY

DODGERS’ CARLOS PEREZ (4-2, 5.74 ERA) vs. PHILLIES’ RANDY WOLF (3-3, 4.26 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 1 p.m.

TV--Fox Sports Net 2. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330)

* Update--Perez is 7-3 with a 2.55 ERA in 10 career appearances against the Phillies, getting one of his two wins last season against Philadelphia. The left-handed Wolf, who played at Dodger Stadium as a prep in 1993 and 1994, in the City Section championships for El Camino Real High, was drafted by the Dodgers out of high school but played collegiately at Pepperdine. He did not get a decision in his lone career appearance against the Dodgers, a 6-5, 11-inning Phillie win at Veterans Stadium on Aug. 21, 1999.

* Tickets--(323) 224-1HIT.