MLB roundup: Marlins' Fernandez to start throwing

[September 22, 2014]  The Sports Xchange

Injured Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez was cleared to start throwing Oct. 1 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, according to the Associated Press.

The right-hander received clearance to throw after meeting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Thursday. ElAttrache performed Fernandez's elbow surgery in May.

"A lot of good news came out of that in going up there and seeing him so I'm really excited," Fernandez said. "I'm feeling great. I'm feeling like I didn't have the surgery so I think that's good news."

The 22-year-old had the surgery on May 16. Throwing programs usually start about four months after Tommy John surgery, which places Fernandez on schedule. He will start off by throwing for about three to four minutes at 30-45 feet.

Recovery from Tommy John surgery usually takes about 12 to 18 months.

---Hall of Fame first baseman Willie McCovey was hospitalized last week related to complications from an infection, the San Francisco Giants announced Friday night.

McCovey, the 1969 National League MVP who hit 521 career home runs, was being treated at a Bay Area hospital. The team said his recovery was progressing.

McCovey played 19 of his 22 major league seasons with the Giants. The team still keeps in close contact with him and he makes numerous appearances at AT&T Park and other team functions.

McCovey, 76, played from 1959-80. He batted .270 with 1,555 RBI.

---Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu threw off a flat surface before Saturday's game as the first step in his return from a sore left shoulder. Ryu's return date remains uncertain.

"If it goes well, then he'll just continue to ramp up a little bit," manager Don Mattingly said. "See if there's any pain. Kind of push the intensity."

---Detroit Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez, who went on the disabled list Aug. 9 because of a strained right pectoralis, will throw a simulated game Sunday.

---St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter and first baseman Matt Adams weren't in the lineup because of a stomach bug.

---Cincinnati Reds right-hander Mat Latos (right elbow) is still hoping to make a start in the season's final week. Latos has missed his last two starts because of a bone bruise.

---New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury missed the game because of a strained right hamstring but sounded hopeful that he would be able to play before the season ends since he said he was feeling better.

Manager Joe Girardi said that Ellsbury would miss a few days and could miss the remaining nine games.

---Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Adam Lind missed the game after his back tightened up and this marked at least the second time he has dealt with a back problem since he missed 17 games with a back injury from April 19-May 8.

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