Estes slowly throws away injury

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:25 PM PST ∞

PEORIA, Ariz.---- Mornings like Sunday are the ones that Shawn Estes looks forward to. And as long as his left elbow stays pain free, Tuesday is going to be just as fun.

Every other day of spring training the veteran pitcher has a chance to enjoy baseball again. For 10 to 15 minutes, Estes plays catch with Padres trainer Todd Hutcheson on the field at Peoria Sports Complex. After starting soft-toss sessions 30 feet apart a month ago, they are now throwing to each other with 105 feet of outfield grass between them.

As simple of an act as it is, Estes isn't taking a game of catch for granted.

It's a sign of the progress he's making in the lengthy return from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. And for the nonroster invitee ---- who had the operation last June ---- it's also a reward for enduring the grueling ordeal.

"Today was good," said Estes, who turned 34 on Feb. 18. "I feel good. (The throwing program) is kind of how I live now. And every other day I look forward to getting stronger and then shoot for the ultimate goal in June, and that's to be back on the mound pitching."

After enduring an injury-riddled 2005 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the left-hander seemed on the verge of a strong 2006 campaign with the Padres. The stress fracture in his left ankle that dogged him was healing. Same for a sore right ankle, he said.

The results showed progress. He locked up the No. 2 spot in the Padres' rotation after posting a 3-1 mark with a 4.91 ERA in five Cactus League starts.

"He had a tremendous spring with us," general manager Kevin Towers said.

But Estes' elbow was hurting.

In his only regular season start on April 5, Estes threw 87 fastballs, two curveballs and two change-ups in a six-inning effort against the Giants. Not the norm for a guy who amassed 99 career victories relying on his curveball.

He went on the disabled list with a strained flexor tendon and later took part in a pair of bullpen sessions. During the second session, Estes heard a pop in his elbow. He elected to undergo surgery shortly thereafter, knowing he would be sidelined for a minimum of 12 months.

"What was difficult last year was after surgery," Estes said. "Watching my team and knowing I was not going to be able to play. Not being a part of that and going to the playoffs and having to be more of a cheerleader than I was a member of the team.

"This year it's different because I feel like there's some light at the end of the tunnel."

There's also the setbacks, pain and pitching through that pain.

Padres rookie relief pitcher Andrew Brown, who sits two stalls away from Estes, underwent Tommy John surgery as a 19-year-old in 2000 and said he began throwing four months after his surgery and was pitching eight months after that.

But Brown said he wasn't right until 18 months later.

"Being young and all, I just thought you could go out and throw six or seven innings, throw 100 pitches and be fine," Brown said. "The next day, it's like a reality check. You just realize your arm is not prepared to do anything like that. I just wanted to go out and play baseball and have fun.

"It's just a long process."

Estes' process kept him sidelined for seven months.

Two months later, he's throwing on a straight line and said he expects to participate in his first bullpen by the end of March. He followed that statement with another ---- he wants to be on the mound in June or July ---- and then knocked on the wood partition in his locker for good measure.

"I want to be effective at 12 months," Estes said. "Be able to go out there and make every fifth start at that point."

Towers, who also underwent Tommy John surgery, likes the idea of Estes being ready by summer. It's a big part of the reason the team has him in camp.

"It's almost like picking up a left-handed arm at the trade deadline," Towers said. "Our hope is he can contribute to our big-league club once he gets healthy. There's certainly no rush. ...

"He'd be a nice guy to have."

Said Estes: "I feel strong and am throwing the ball on a line. The shoulder and elbow are both getting stronger. It's not going to be a year from now. It's going to be three or four months from now.

"That's what motivates me."

-- Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.

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