|
|
|
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barry Bonds expects to be ready for San Francisco's season opener on April5, and the Giants asked the commissioner's office for permission to use a designated hitter during spring training home games in order to
ease him into the exhibition season.
"I've never missed an opening day," Bonds said Tuesday. "Being announced before your fans on opening day is great. The main thing down here is to be able to play nine innings consistently every day.
That's recovery. When you can play every game in the major leagues for nine innings, that's recovery. Nobody is ever ready to completely play on opening day. It's the adrenaline rush for opening day."
Bonds had surgery on his right knee on Jan.31,
and when he arrived at spring training said he was unsure whether the knee would recover in time to play the opener. He has not played in any exhibition games.
"Whenever he's ready, he'll be in there," Giants manager
Felipe Alou said.
The Cincinnati Reds were given permission last weekend to use a DH in five home games starting Thursday so that Ken Griffey Jr. can bat without playing the field.
|
|
|
|
|
RETURN TO TOP
