Cirillo out 4-6 weeks with broken finger

By: JOHN MAFFEI - Staff Writer | Friday, April 2, 2004 10:28 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Jeff Cirillo, the man who was going to be the Padres' super-sub, will miss the first four to six weeks of the season after breaking the index finger of his right hand, the team learned Friday.

Cirillo is expected to go on the disabled list today.

Assistant trainer Jim Daniel said Cirillo fractured the tip of the finger while attempting to bunt against the Texas Rangers in Surprise, Ariz., on Monday. Cirillo will be in a splint for four weeks.

"He can hit, but he can't throw," said Padres manager Bruce Bochy. "Obviously, we'll have to make a move."

Bochy said he'll discuss the situation with general manager Kevin Towers. The possibilities include carrying an extra pitcher, promoting a utilityman from the minor leagues or scanning the waiver wire.

Bochy said the team has interest in former Padre Damian Jackson, who was released by the Colorado Rockies and recently signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs.

In the organization, minor-leaguers Rico Washington and Ben Risinger made favorable impressions this spring.

The Padres' roster stands at 33. Eight players must be cut by 9 tonight to reach the Opening-Day limit of 25.

Towers said one club inquired about infielder Rey Ordonez, who walked out of camp and is now on the restricted list.

Pitcher Rod Beck is also on the restricted list and Towers said there is no update on his return.

Mariners visit

The Padres and Mariners play the first big-league games in Petco Park this weekend. The teams meet at 7:05 tonight and 1:05 p.m. Sunday.

Padres officials said 32,000 seats have been sold for tonight and 28,000 for Sunday.

Short hops

Center fielder Jay Payton, who has been bothered by a pulled hamstring, is expected to start tonight. ... Pitcher Jake Peavy had perhaps the best line upon seeing Petco Park for the first time. "I feel like I made it to the big leagues now," Peavy said. ... Despite light rain and heavy air Friday, Mariners and Padres hitters had no problem finding the seats in batting practice. Balls appeared to carry well to left and right, but it could be hard to drive a ball out of the park in spacious right-center field. ... The Padres' clubhouse, which is at least twice the size of the team's old digs at Qualcomm Stadium, has more than a dozen TVs, a great training room, weight room and player lounge. Missing, however, is a clock. ... With the expanded clubhouse, veteran Phil Nevin now gets a double-wide locker and said he plans to put a refrigerator in the extra space.

Contact staff writer John Maffei at (760) 740-3547 or at jmaffei@nctimes.com.