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Monday, May 29
Rockies take cautious approach to Walker


DENVER -- The bulky brace spanning Larry Walker's right arm was the only indication that the two-time defending NL batting champion remains an observer when game time arrives.

Larry Walker
Walker

Walker, who has been sidelined with an elbow injury since May 11, had an encouraging batting practice session Monday, hitting two balls into the bullpen beyond right field.

"He said he felt fine swinging," Rockies trainer Tom Probst said. "He felt comfortable and pain-free."

The Colorado right fielder also played catch for the third straight day, but his return remains uncertain as the Rockies take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.

"That would all be speculation because it could turn a heck of a lot better than it is right now. It could turn a heck of a lot worse," Probst said. "To put a date on it, that's just not fair."

Despite Walker's absence, the Rockies have flourished without the six-time Gold Glove winner, going 11-4. Todd Helton has been a big reason for the success. He leads the majors with a .417 average with 17 homers and 49 RBI.

"We're showing what kind of team we are," reliever Gabe White said. "What if you throw Walker in there, hitting .350 or .400 maybe with a healthy arm? We've got a good team and we never give up."

Colorado's success has helped manager Buddy Bell succumb to the temptation of rushing Walker's return. He considered allowing Walker to be the designated hitter when the Rockies play a three-game interleague series at Seattle on June 5-7, but the risk outweighs the reward.

Even after Walker's lively 20-swing hitting session, Bell tempered his enthusiasm.

"That's positive, but I'm not really paying much attention to it right now," he said. "I can't let myself."

In addition to Walker's injury, the Rockies were temporarily without starting left fielder Jeffrey Hammonds, who strained his left hip flexor Saturday.

Hammonds sat out Sunday's series finale against Pittsburgh but returned Monday against Houston. He had an RBI single as a pinch-hitter in the sixth and remained in the game for the final three innings.

"He said he was fine," Bell said. "I thought another day would make sense. Unfortunately we couldn't give him a whole day, but he should be all right."
 


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