Padres Notebook: Klesko undergoes MRI on throwing shoulder

By: BRIAN HIRO - Staff Writer | Wednesday, March 2, 2005 11:09 PM PST ∞

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- The Ryan Klesko shoulder watch is back on. The Padres' slugging outfielder has developed inflammation in the AC joint of his left, throwing shoulder during the first 10 days of spring training.

An MRI was scheduled for Wednesday evening in Arizona, but results might not be available until Friday.

Klesko had surgery on his right shoulder at the end of the 2003 season, and his slow recovery from the procedure was a major factor behind his disappointing total of nine home runs last year.

Padres manager Bruce Bochy said he didn't think Klesko's latest flare-up was serious.

"If this was during the season, he'd be out there playing," Bochy said. "At this point in spring training, you just want to make sure there's nothing going on."

According to Padres trainer Todd Hutcheson, Klesko first reported irritation in his left shoulder a couple of weeks ago. He backed off his weightlifting in response but resumed it when the soreness dissipated.

"He still feels OK, but at times, doing certain things, it bothers him," Hutcheson said.

Hutcheson speculated that Klesko's increased workload in spring training versus his winter workouts at Petco Park caused the inflammation. It could have been exacerbated by the arthritis in the joint that was discovered by a routine X-ray from Klesko's physical when he reported to camp.

"The rotator cuff could (also) be a factor," Hutcheson said.

The training staff has discussed the possibility of Klesko getting a cortisone shot from team doctor Jan Fronek on Friday. Klesko had three such injections in his right shoulder before going under the knife two seasons ago.

Bochy made a point to mention that Klesko has been swinging the bat impressively compared with last year at this time.

"Any time a player feels something there's a slight concern," Bochy said. "We'll keep him out until we find out if something's wrong."

The Padres are counting on an injury-free Klesko to provide needed power to an offense that often struggled to produce runs last year. He hasn't played a full season since 2002, when he hit .300 with 29 home runs and 95 RBIs.

"For Ryno, the biggest thing is his health," Padres right fielder Brian Giles said last week. "If we have a healthy Ryno, it changes our lineup."

Practice makes perfect

Playing mostly reserves against a group of Seattle regulars, the Padres lost to the Mariners 9-3 in a 10-inning practice game. The Padres allowed three two-run homers, including one by Richie Sexson off Woody Williams in the first inning.

"Woody was a little up (in the strike zone)," Bochy said.

Both Bochy and pitching coach Darren Balsley applauded the inning turned in by left-hander Randy Williams, who's competing with righties Blaine Neal and Steve Sparks for the final spot in the Padres' bullpen.

The Padres received a slight scare in the 10th, when catcher Humberto Quintero was drilled by a pitch on the outside of his right wrist. Quintero had an X-ray, and the initial diagnosis was that he didn't break a bone.

"If it's not fractured, it will at least be pretty sore for a few days," Hutcheson said.

Short hops

Among the everyday players scheduled to start in this afternoon's annual charity game against Seattle are CF Dave Roberts, 3B Sean Burroughs, 2B Mark Loretta, 1B Phil Nevin, SS Khalil Greene and C Ramon Hernandez. RHP Adam Eaton will take the mound, with LHP Chris Hammond and RHPs Steve Sparks and Blaine Neal also expected to throw. ... The club has agreed to 2005 contracts with OF Jon Knott, RHP Chris Oxspring and LHP Randy Williams.

Contact staff writer Brian Hiro at b_hiro@hotmail.com.