Rays/MLB

Ailing Radke may return to Twins rotation

By TIMES WIRES
Published September 26, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS - Twins right-hander Brad Radke, who has a torn labrum and a stress fracture in his pitching shoulder, might be able to make a start this week.

The former Jesuit standout did some light bullpen work Monday and felt better than he did in his last session, manager Ron Gardenhire said. If Radke, 33, who plans to retire after the season, isn't hurting when he reports to the Metrodome today, the Twins will likely start him in the next couple of days.

If that goes well, Radke could have a spot in the playoff rotation.

"I know that if you have Brad Radke and he goes out and pitches before the playoffs and throws the living fire out of the baseball, I think you'd want to really look at that to see if he could help you out," Gardenhire said.

EDMONDS RETURNS: Cardinals centerfielder Jim Edmonds was cleared to play after being sidelined since mid August with postconcussion syndrome and homered in his first-at-bat.

The Gold Glover, who went in batting .260 with a .356 on-base percentage and a .475 slugging percentage in 104 games, pinch-hit for pitcher Tyler Johnson in the fourth and tied the score at 5 with a three-run homer off Padres starter Mike Thompson. Edmonds has made one start since Aug. 15 because of headaches, nausea, dizziness and blurred vision.

"I'm ready to play, that's what I've been told," Edmonds said before the game.

WELLS OUT: Padres left-hander David Wells was scratched from his start against the Cardinals with gout in his right foot. Wells is 0-2 with a 4.43 ERA in four starts since being acquired from the Red Sox on Aug. 31.

TIEBREAKER SET: The Astros would host the Cardinals on Oct. 3 in a one-game playoff if the teams tie for the NL Central title. Major League Baseball held a coin toss to determine the site of a potential tiebreaker game.

[Last modified September 26, 2006, 01:39:11]