Washington Loses Larkin for Regular Season August 31, 1999
(AP) WASHINGTON--As if the Sea Dogs hadn't had enough of the injury bug in
the month and a half following the All-Star Break, Washington is now in a
situation that's very hard to swallow.
All-Star shortstop Barry Larkin is likely to be out for the rest of the
regular season after breaking his foot, an injury that comes as a serious
blow to the Sea Dogs' chances to achieve history and break the all-time
PVBL record for wins.
"The doctors tell me I'll be back by the playoffs, which is a real relief
to me," Larkin said. "I've seen these types of injuries take a month to
heal."
Washington manager Aaron Weiner is relieved as well.
"Well, I was planning to rest Barry and Chuck (Knoblauch) a lot during
September anyway," Weiner said. "Since Barry will be back, I'm not even
worried."
Larkin, 32, has hit over .300 and is in the top five in stolen bases for
the first time in his career. He broke the foot after hitting the
first-base bag at a strange angle in the sixth inning.
"We're just glad we'll be getting Barry back," said centerfielder Larry
Walker. "He's been taking all kinds of pressure off of me in the #5
spot."
Washington also placed starting pitcher John Burkett on the DL, the
seventh pitcher they have placed on the disabled list this year, including
All-Stars Ben McDonald and Alex Fernandez for a stint.
"We certainly haven't been blessed with a lot of luck with our injuries,"
Weiner said. "Thankfully, most of the guys will be there for October.
In response to the Larkin injury, Washington called up Mike Bordick for
the first time this year, and he will start tomorrow in Phoenix.
Washington also recalled reliever Steve Reed for Burkett, and moved
lefthander Nealy Becker into the rotation.
"We don't feel we're putting a lot of pressure on Nealy," Weiner said.
"He'd had a few problems in the pen, and we were going to try him in the
rotation in September anyway."
Becker got a no-decision in his first career start, going six innings and
allowing just seven hits and a walk, allowing three runs.
Washington will face off twice more against Phoenix and then have a
much-needed day off.
"We're going to reset our rotation, set up our team and get things in
order for September," Weiner said. "We're looking forward to the
homestretch, with or without Larkin and McDonald."
Washington enters Monday's games at 91-41, 16 games ahead of Phoenix.
