NEW DIGGENS (CP) - Catcher Darrin Fletcher, OUT 4-6 weeks. Pitcher Steve
Cooke, OUT 2-4 weeks, suffered his injury in April. Pitcher Mark Portugal,
OUT 6-8 weeks, after 2 days on the roster. Pitcher Salomon Torres, OUT 2-3
months. Pitcher Randy Johnson, OUT 1-2 weeks.
"At least I won't feel lonely," jokes Johnson after being diagnosed with an
injury that will take him out of action for at least 2 weeks.
"As soon as my leg started hurting 3 weeks ago, I tried to ignore it, but
it kept getting worse. Mainly, I tried to avoid going on the DL because I
knew the team needed me so much. I feel bad about it, but there's nothing I
can do, really."
"We're doing surprisingly well despite missing our number one catcher, our
two best pitchers and one of our most reliable relievers," says manager
Gary Carter. "But we're running out of options. When your team is composed
largely of players that should be in the minors, it's hard to remain
optimistic."
Righthander Bob Peterman will start for the Royals. It is his first
starting assignment this season.
The big question is, can the Royals' new lineup stay in contention until
Randy Johnson and Steve Cooke return, or will their season be over by
September?
