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Wells stays home after suffering hand injuries

By: BRIAN HIRO - Staff Writer | Monday, May 17, 2004 9:53 PM PDT ∞

San Diego Padres starting pitcher David Wells was not happy after surrendering a two-run single to Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Kasuhisa Ishii during the Dodgers' six-run second inning on Wednesday
JT Lovette for The North County Times
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SAN DIEGO ---- The Padres' longest road trip of the season will not include David Wells.

The left-handed staff ace did not accompany the team on its flight to Pittsburgh on Monday after having an accident at home Sunday night that left him with lacerations on his right wrist and left palm. Padres general manager Kevin Towers said Wells likely will be placed on the 15-day disabled list today, forcing him to miss both of his scheduled starts on the 12-game trip to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Colorado and Milwaukee.

Wells lost to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday afternoon, after which he apparently injured himself.

"From what I understand, he was in an accident at his house (Sunday) night that involved glass," said Towers, who hadn't spoken to Wells directly. "It wasn't a fight."

Wells, who turns 41 on Thursday, has a history of off-field scuffles. In 2002, while a member of the Yankees, he was punched in the face by a man in a New York diner. In 1997, he broke his left hand in a fight outside a San Diego bar while in town for his mother's wake.

Towers said Wells got stitches on his right wrist and left palm, and also had minor surgery on the wrist Sunday night because he sliced a tendon in the accident. Wells was examined by Jan Fronek, the Padres' team doctor, on Monday afternoon.

"The wrist is not as much of a concern as the palm," Towers said, referring to the fact that Wells pitches with his left hand. "But Fronek said he should be fine if we give him two weeks."

Wells, who is 2-4 with a 3.78 ERA, was scheduled to start Saturday against the Phillies and May 28 against the Brewers. Towers said Wells' replacement in the rotation will come from Triple-A Portland, but that the club hasn't yet decided who it will be.

"We have a few days, so we'll consider our options," Towers said.

One good option is 21-year-old right-hander Justin Germano, who, like Wells, pitched on Sunday. Germano is 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three starts since earning a promotion from Double-A Mobile. Other candidates are Portland right-handers Dennis Tankersley (3-2, 2.29 ERA) and Brian Sweeney (5-1, 3.35 ERA).