Football
Associated Press 19y

Sidelined Vidro aching to start Friday night

WASHINGTON -- Tired of watching the Washington Nationals
struggle to stay in the wild-card race, injured second baseman Jose
Vidro wants to start Friday night against NL East-leading Atlanta.

"I felt today that my knee was stronger than what it was,"
Vidro said before Thursday's game against Florida. "Right now,
it's just going to be pain. ... The cortisone shot helped me a lot
and also the time off the field I was able to get."

When Vidro last appeared in a game, on Sept. 1 in Atlanta, he
left in the fourth inning because of tendinitis in his right knee.
Ankle, quadriceps and knee problems have limited Vidro to a .270
average with seven homers and 31 RBIss in 77 games.

In Atlanta, Nationals manager Frank Robinson said Vidro might be
limited to pinch-hitting duties for the rest of the season. Despite
Vidro's claims that he's ready to contribute, Robinson doesn't
think he's healthy enough.

"I think he needs a little bit more time," Robinson said. "I
appreciate him saying that. I appreciate the effort that he's put
in to try to get himself back. But I think he's pushing it a little
quickly. My advice to him is to take it easy, not rush it."

Washington began the night 3½ games behind Houston in the
wild-card race with 22 games remaining.

"It's up to me -- it's my call," Vidro said. "Hopefully, I can
start the game tomorrow. The pain has gone down a lot, and I think
I can go out there and produce."

Robinson said right-hander Tony Armas Jr., troubled by tightness
in his surgically repaired right shoulder, may not pitch again this
season.

"The chance is very good that he doesn't pitch again this
year," Robinson said. "I'd be surprised if he does. But if he
does, it's because he says his arm is good. ... He still feels like
his arm is not right and as long as he feels that way, I wouldn't
even think about sending him out there to the mound."

Armas, who last pitched Sept. 1, is 7-7 with a 4.97 ERA in 19
starts. He missed the Nationals' first 31 games with a groin
injury.

Earlier this week, Armas traveled to Dallas for a second opinion
on the shoulder, which was operated on in 2003. Dr. John Conway
suggested a change in medication and alterations in Armas' exercise
routine.

Armas will be reevaluated in 10 days.

"If he comes to me in a week or so and says: 'My arm is feeling
good. I think I can go out there,' I might take him up on it,"
Robinson said.

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