Andy’s Addresses Ross, Solarte, rotations
By Bill Center
Andy Green sees an ominous trend developing that will continue over at least the next three nights with the Pittsburgh Pirates visiting the Padres at Petco Park.
The Padres face left-hander Francisco Liriano Tuesday night. On Thursday, they draw Gerrit Cole. Those are the Pirates’ Nos. 1 and two starters.
“We’ve literally faced everyone’s number one and two,” Green said Tuesday afternoon during his daily pregame media session. “It’s the same thing with the Pirates in Liriano and Cole. That’s a hard thing to do six series into the season.”
Green addressed the rehabs of two key Padres on the 15-day disabled list — right-handed starter Tyson Ross and third baseman Yangervis Solarte.
Ross threw for the first time Tuesday since he went on the disabled list April 9 with shoulder soreness. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Wednesday, but is not expected return any time soon. Ross threw for five minutes at distances up to 75 feet.
Solarte, who is on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain, took two rounds of batting practice from the left side of the plate Tuesday, although his running activities are still limited to the therapy pool.
“Solarte will be running on the ground soon,” said Green, who added that Solarte will likely need a rehab assignment. Solarte is eligible to return from the disabled list on April 26.
“Ross is feeling good.” Said Green. “He is progressing as expected. He’ll resume some field activities today. He is not coming off the disabled list tomorrow. We’re taking the intelligent approach so he’ll be fine for the rest of the season. He feels substantially better than he did a week ago.”
Green said Ross did not have an MRI taken of his shoulder. Ross will likely need at least one rehab outing.
Meanwhile, Green said rehabbing right-handed starter Brandon Morrow will make his next start at Double-A San Antonio after making his second outing with Single-A Lake Elsinore Sunday afternoon.
“Morrow feels good,” said Green. He threw a side session today and is advancing to San Antonio for his next start and maybe one after that. He told me that last year he felt discomfort in between starts in bullpen sessions. He feels none of that. The plan is still for the end of the month for Brandon. We want him to be part of what we’re doing here.”
Green on:
— Catcher Derek Norris’ slump: “It’s a timing thing. He’s a little late in firing.”
— Wednesday starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz: “He has used his curve ball very effectively.”
— On rookie Rule 5 reliever Luis Perdomo. “He seems to be more adjusted, his last three outings were very good.”
— On Melvin Upton Jr.: “He has been great. He had a strong second half last season. I came in with no pre-conceived notion.”
