Dreifort Moves a Step Closer
Darren Dreifort threw 30 pitches in batting practice Wednesday, taking another small step toward rejoining the Dodger pitching staff.
The right-hander, sidelined since July 2001 and coming off right knee surgery, mixed a few breaking pitches with fastballs and changeups while facing Dave Roberts, Mike Kinkade, Chad Hermansen, Daryle Ward and Shawn Green.
Dreifort said he did not experience pain in his twice surgically reconstructed pitching elbow or knee, so the recovery appears to be proceeding well.
“It’s always a little different the first time somebody gets in the batter’s box against you, especially your own guys, but everything felt good out there,” said Dreifort, who also sat out the 1995 season after his first major elbow procedure. “A year ago, I was able to participate in drills but I wasn’t able to use a baseball. This year, I can do everything and be a part of the squad and not have to sneak off for treatments here and there. It’s nice.”
Pitching coach Jim Colborn was pleased.
“He looked pretty darn good; strong and smooth,” said Colborn, who stood behind a screen on the mound while Dreifort pitched. “The mechanics of his delivery are better than I remember. I was prepared to be satisfied with a lot less than he did.”
The Dodgers are pulling for Dreifort, one of the most popular players in the clubhouse because of his dedication to the team.
“The main thing was to just see him out there and throwing,” Roberts said. “With everything he’s been through, that’s really good news.”
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Pitcher Derek Thompson, a Rule 5 draft selection who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left (pitching) elbow, underwent an MRI exam to reveal the extent of damage....
Pitcher Andy Ashby (lower back stiffness) continues to be held out of drills.... Pitcher Kevin Brown, recovering from back surgery, participated in limited workouts on his second day at Dodgertown....
Pitcher Yorkis Perez, the only player not in camp, is expected today. He was delayed in the Dominican Republic because of visa problems.