News
Bruce's rehab stay at Triple-A extended
Outfielder will at least remain for entire first round of playoffs
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
09/08/09 8:21 PM ET
DENVER -- Don't expect Jay Bruce to roam the Wrigley Field outfield this weekend. The Reds' plan is for their right fielder to remain on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville for at least the entire first round of the best-of-five International League playoffs. Manager Dusty Baker spoke on the phone Tuesday with Bruce, who has been on the disabled list with a fractured right wrist since July 11. "He said he was swinging better," Baker said. "He stole a couple of bases. His legs were feeling fine. His wrist was a little tight in the beginning, but once it loosens up, it's fine. Last night [vs. Indianapolis], he said he faced some guy throwing 95-96 mph. The first at-bat, he was a little bit tardy, and then he caught up and got a base hit. He said that was the first real high-octane fastball test that he had." Bruce played in Louisville's final five regular-season games and batted .278 (5-for-18). The Bats commence postseason play on Wednesday. After Tuesday, the Reds have five games remaining on the road trip -- two with the Rockies and three vs. the Cubs. In other injury news, reliever Micah Owings will rejoin the Reds in Chicago on Friday and work out. While batting vs. the Braves in the 12th inning on Sunday, Owings was hit by a pitch and suffered a perforated eardrum that prevented him from flying. After seeing a doctor on Tuesday, he was cleared to take a plane to meet the club.Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
