NEW YORK – Edwin Encarnacions strained right quadriceps isnt progressing as quickly as he, the Blue Jays and the clubs starved-for-a-winner fanbase is hoping.
[b]Golden State Warriors Shirts[/b] . "Eddie had a little setback in Florida,” said manager John Gibbons before Saturdays game at Yankee Stadium. “Hes a little bit tender so were going to back him off for a few days.” Encarnacion was injured three weeks ago, July 5, in Oakland as he beat out an RBI fielders choice groundball in the first inning of an eventual loss to the Athletics. As he was running to first base, Encarnacion felt a pop in his quadriceps. One stride beyond the bag, he crumpled to the ground and required the assistance of trainers George Poulis and Mike Frostad to leave the field. A day later, he was placed on the disabled list after an MRI revealed what Encarnacion reported to be a Grade-2 strain. Thats an injury which typically requires a six-week recovery period. Encarnacion is halfway to six weeks. Which begs the question, was it a setback? He felt the tightness while swinging a bat. “He was feeling it when he was twisting, the torque in his swing,” said Gibbons. The Blue Jays are legitimate contenders, thanks to the weakened state of the American League East and to the existence of a second wild card spot, for the first time in more than two decades. Without Encarnacion, Brett Lawrie and Adam Lind, the club is missing one-third of its starting lineup and three bats who typically hit in the middle of the order. The offence, predictably, has struggled as a result and there is now desperation to get the injured players back. Neither Encarnacion, nor the club can be blamed. A player with a muscle injury wont know how well hes coming along until he tests it. Encarnacion found out the hard way that hes not ready yet. Theres no timetable for his return. REIMOLD PROGRESSING There is one injured Blue Jay who is getting close to returning. Outfielder Nolan Reimold, who strained his left calf on July 11 in Tampa Bay and who is eligible to come off the disabled list on Sunday, will be back soon. “Within the next few days,” said manager John Gibbons. “Hes probably feeling better than any of them.” Gibbons said its unlikely Reimold would need a mino- league rehabilitation assignment, so long as his return is in the next few days. MORROW BOUND FOR FLORIDA When his teammates leave after Sundays game for Boston, Brandon Morrow will head in the opposite direction, destined for the clubs facilities in Dunedin, Florida. Its the next step in his rehab of a torn tendon sheath in the right index finger. Earlier this week, Morrow was up on a mound for the first time in more than two-and-a-half months. “I threw my first bullpen off a mound two days ago and threw again yesterday and it felt fine,” said Morrow. “Just nice and easy, nothing too aggressive, but I was throwing all my pitches, spinning the ball and everything felt good.” Morrow still wraps supportive tape around his finger, but takes it off to throw the baseball. Hell throw more bullpen sessions in Florida over the next 10 days and progress to throwing live batting practice, followed by a simulated game. Expect Morrows return, if all goes well, to be in the final month of the season. Hell likely work out of the bullpen. SHIFT DISTURBING Colby Rasmus had a frustrating Friday night. He hit two balls hard, but both went for outs because the Yankees had their infielders perfectly placed in exaggerated shifts. “Its all about love and luck in this game,” said Rasmus. “Youve still got to hit it past those defensive players. Sometimes it looks like there are 100 of them out ther,e but thats all part of it and hopefully I can just continue what Im doing and theyll start falling.” Rasmus hit a line drive to rightfield off Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda in the fourth inning. Second baseman Brian Roberts was roving and made a nice leaping catch. In his next at-bat, Rasmus smoked a liner up the middle, just to the right of the second base bag. There stood third baseman Chase Headley, who didnt have to move to make the catch.
[b]Klay Thompson Jersey[/b] . Kadri was dressed in a green jersey at Thursdays practice and skated as an extra forward on the teams fourth line as the Leafs.
[b]Damion Lee Jersey[/b] . Peko, a fourth-round pick in 2006, started all 16 games and a playoff loss to San Diego last season. He was second on the line with 72 tackles and had a career-high three sacks.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Percy Harvin is ready to go, and theres no question in his mind hell be playing Sunday.No matter what the injury report says.The New York Jets wide receiver is listed as questionable to play against the Titans in Tennessee on Sunday as he recovers from a sprained left ankle. Harvin sat out team drills Wednesday and Thursday, but was a limited participant Friday.Felt pretty good, Harvin said. I should be ready to roll. I practiced. I felt fine, and I expect to be on the field.Harvin, injured late in the fourth quarter at Minnesota last Sunday, had six catches for 124 yards and a TD against his former team. He was in a boot after the game, and coach Rex Ryan was stunned Harvin was even able to practice this week.The fact that hes out there is pretty amazing, Ryan said. He had a significant ankle injury, albeit a low-ankle, but for him, this is a quick heal. Its unbelievable how fast hes healing from it.Will he be able to go or not? Im still not sure.Harvin will likely be a game-time decision, while defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is doubtful after missing two games with turf toe. While Wilkerson has made progress, it appears unlikely that hell play. Ryan said Wilkerson might not even make the trip to Tennessee.Safety Antonio Allen (hand) is questionable, while tight end Jace Amaro and linebacker Trevor Reilly are probable after recovering from concussions.In his six games since being acquired from Seattle, Harvin has provided the offence with a bit of a boost with 25 catches for 306 yards. He has also rushed for 99 yards on 19 carries, and served as the primary kick returner.Harvin tested his ankle during practtice Friday, making cuts on the field as if he were playing in a game.
[b]Gus Williams Jersey[/b]. I told all the coaches it felt good, he said. They said I looked good. I fully expect to play without any limitations.While Ryan has tempered expectations for Harvins availability, the wide receiver has maintained his optimism.Thats what hes been telling me the whole week, Ryan said. Im like, Hes crazy. And then he goes back out there today, and there he is. And he goes, Nah, Im feeling good.Harvin is also enjoying his time in New York despite the teams 2-11 record, and would definitely like to continue playing for the Jets beyond this season. He has four years left on his contract, with a base salary of $10.5 million for next season, so its possible New York might want to renegotiate that deal which he signed with Seattle.I feel at home here, he said. Im comfortable with all the players. I like the vibe around here, absolutely. I just overall love the whole organization.Harvin came to the Jets with the reputation of being a bit of a malcontent, a player who could disrupt the harmony in the locker room. Instead, he has been an ideal citizen since joining the Jets, and has become a favourite of his teammates during his short time with them.This is the guy that we see since hes been here, Ryan said. The respect hes already built with his current teammates is really impressive, and heres another reason. Were voting for the Ed Block Courage award and he got a ton of votes, and hes only been with us for six weeks. I think that just shows you what his current team thinks of him.___AP NFL website:
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