Miner looks good in 2 rehab appearances

6/28/2007

Right-hander Ryan Miner made his second relief appearance in as many days yesterday in the Mud Hens 5-2 victory over Ottawa as he continued a rehab assignment from Detroit. He threw a scoreless inning against the Lynx both days, retiring three batters on nine pitches yesterday after striking out two batters in a scoreless inning Tuesday.

But Miner, who was placed on the Tigers' disabled list June 7 because of tendinitis in his right elbow, said he was more pleased by the way his arm handled back-to-back appearances.

"I feel good, and I'm surprised at how good I feel," Miner said. "My arm felt no different than [Tuesday], even though I had never thrown back-to-back days before. I'm very encouraged by how I feel."

Miner said he will return to Detroit but has no indication of what the next step in his rehab will be. One option would be for him to come off the disabled list after resting his arm today.

PARRISH UPDATE: Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish, who had surgery on his left ankle April 4, will meet with his doctor Friday to determine the next step in his recovery.

Parrish currently is wearing a walking cast and no longer needs crutches. Parrish said his hope is that the doctor, Dr. Christopher Zingas, will allow him to stop wearing the walking cast.

Parrish still faces rehab on the ankle and calf before he can return to active duty. There currently is no scheduled date for his return as manager.

THREE-DOT DATA: Yesterday's crowd of 9,677 was the Mud Hens' 15th sellout this season and the 155th sellout in the six-year history of Fifth Third Field. Ramon Santiago extended his season-high hitting streak to 13 games with a first-inning single, while Kevin Hooper has collected a hit in nine straight after hitting a single in the third. Among those throwing out a first pitch before yesterday's game was Lucy Hooper, who celebrated her second birthday at the ballpark. She threw out a first pitch that was caught by her father, Hens second baseman Kevin Hooper. Mud Hens general manager Joe Napoli became a father for the fifth time when his wife, Annette, gave birth to a daughter, Ava, yesterday. Mother and daughter both are doing well.