SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Giants ace Jason Schmidt will miss his second straight spring start Thursday, raising doubts about whether he will be ready for the season opener at Houston.
If the right-hander's sore pitching shoulder doesn't improve in a hurry, left-hander Kirk Rueter likely would start against the Astros on April 5. Schmidt is well behind where he should be.
"He's borderline right now only because there's not enough time," pitching coach Dave Righetti said.
So is closer Robb Nen, whose workload was cut back Tuesday because of shoulder discomfort.
A three-time All-Star who had 43 saves and a 2.20 ERA in 2002, Nen didn't pitch after right shoulder surgery May 7 to repair a torn tendon.
The shoulder did not respond well to operations in November 2002 and on April 18. Nen, the Giants' career saves leader with 206, was on the disabled list all last season.
"We want to reassess everything and make sure we're not going too fast," trainer Stan Conte said. "He's had some mild discomfort as a result of his simulated game and his pen (session). In light of everything that's happened to him, we decided to pull back. He's made up so much ground this spring."
PRIOR HEADS TO DL: Cubs right-hander Mark Prior will start the season on the 15-day disabled list because of inflammation in his right Achilles' tendon.
The pitcher has been throwing off the mound but has not pitched in a Cactus League game because of the injury. He was scheduled to start the third game of the season April 8 at Cincinnati.
If Prior doesn't pitch in any major-league exhibition games, he would be eligible to come off the disabled list April 10. The Cubs hope to have him for their first homestand April 12-19.
STEROIDS: Union head Donald Fehr left open the possibility that players would agree to more stringent steroid testing.
"You have to be willing to look at things again as current situations change," Fehr said after meeting with the Red Sox.
Asked if he would be surprised if the steroid policy was changed before the labor agreement expires in December 2006, Fehr said, "I'm not surprised about anything one way or another."
Baseball's steroid policy has been ridiculed by some because players are tested twice in a one-week span each year and penalties are less severe than those in many other sports.
UMPS, TEAMSTERS TALK: The union representing umpires is exploring whether to affiliate with the Teamsters. Dominic Tocco, president of Teamsters Local 416 in Cleveland, is among three organizers planning to meet today in Tampa with members of the World Umpires Association, which represents 68 umpires.
Meanwhile, Gary Darling was named a crew chief after 18 years as a major-league umpire.
ANGELS: The team fielded its full opening day lineup for the first time this spring and provided a glimpse of its offensive potential. Vladimir Guerrero hit a two-run home run and a double, former Rays outfielder Jose Guillen had a three-run homer and a single, Darin Erstad doubled twice and scored twice and Garret Anderson had a run-scoring double and a single in a 7-2 victory over Milwaukee.
ASTROS: With two spring training starts left, Roger Clemens is feeling good. The right-hander struck out six in five scoreless innings against the Braves and has won three of four starts. "I still have some work to do," said Clemens, who allowed three hits. "I'm not there yet, but I didn't feel winded out there today."
METS: Outfield prospect Lastings Milledge, a former Northside Christian standout, broke a hand and is out 3-6 weeks.
ORIOLES: Vying to earn a spot in the starting rotation, left-hander Omar Daal felt soreness in the back of his pitching shoulder while throwing on a back field. He was scheduled for an MRI exam today to determine the extent of the damage and whether surgery will be required.
REDS: Cory Lidle will start the season opener April 5 against the Cubs, the first such honor for the former Rays right-hander.
ROCKIES: Rightfielder Larry Walker's strained left groin has not improved, putting his availability for opening day in jeopardy. The slugger has been sidelined most of the spring with the injury.
WHITE SOX: DH Frank Thomas told new manager Ozzie Guillen he thought it would be best if he hit cleanup, with rightfielder Magglio Ordonez moving into the third spot. It's a major concession for Thomas, who resisted the move when Jerry Manuel was manager.
