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By MARK DIDTLER, Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 9, 2001
Sirotka canstart throwing
DUNEDIN -- Mike Sirotka was given the go-ahead to throw off flat ground after another exam on his injured shoulder Thursday.
The left-hander, acquired by Toronto in January from the Chicago White Sox as part of the David Wells trade, hasn't thrown this spring.
Dr. Steven Mirabella examined the pitcher and said he can start throwing at various distances, a program that will last about three weeks.
Sirotka, 29, passed one Toronto physical, but a second test showed a possible torn labrum. Dr. James Andrews said the pitcher has a partial tear of the rotator cuff and a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Toronto was turned down Wednesday by commissioner Bud Selig in its bid for additional compensation from the White Sox. -- Times wires
TAMPA -- Shortstop Derek Jeter remains on target to make his spring debut Saturday.
Jeter, who been slowed by an inflamed right shoulder joint, went through his second straight full-scale workout Thursday.
Manager Joe Torre said Jeter probably would play against the Phillies on Saturday at Legends Field. Torre said the decision would be made today.
Jeter worked out in Tampa with players not traveling for Thursday's game against the Tigers in Lakeland.
"I haven't throw off balance or anything like that, but other than that I've done everything," Jeter said.
Most of regular position players are expected to make the trip for today's game against the Rays at Florida Power Park in St. Petersburg. Orlando Hernandez is scheduled to start. Other scheduled pitchers include closer Mariano Rivera.
Reliever Ramiro Mendoza (shoulder) is schedule to throw batting practice today and could make his spring debut early next week. ... Right-hander Scott Kamieniecki (back) could make his first appearance late next week. -- MARK DIDTLER
SARASOTA -- Rookie Jimmy Rollins hit a leadoff home run, but the Phillies couldn't build on it and lost 8-4 to the Reds.
After the home run, the Phillies were held scoreless until getting three runs in the ninth off Mark Wohlers on an error, three singles and a wild pitch.
Philadelphia starter Robert Person allowed two runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings as Philadelphia lost its third straight.
SEVEN REASSIGNED: Seven pitchers were reassigned to minor-league camp: Right-handers Brandon Duckworth, Doug Nickle, Evan Thomas, Carlos Silva, Edwin Hurtado and Franklin Nunez and left-hander Thomas Jacquez. -- Times wires