Cone’s Timetable Uncertain
David Cone had shoulder surgery in New York on Friday to repair an aneurysm, but it’s still unclear if the New York Yankees ace will pitch again this season.
Following the 3-hour operation, doctors said Cone should be able to pitch again some day. Yankees physician Dr. Stuart Hershon said more than half a dozen times that the team wouldn’t give a timetable for Cone’s return.
Todd and Dr. Alan Benvenisty took a 1-inch vein from Cone’s upper left thigh and used it to repair two arteries in his right shoulder.
Writer, Bonds ‘a dead issue’
Giants general manager Bob Quinn said there will be no disciplinary action for Barry Bonds for pushing a reporter Thursday in St. Louis, and that he regards it as a dead issue.
“I’m not going to perpetuate this thing - I wasn’t there,” said Quinn. “I regard it as a dead issue. Even USA Today didn’t play it up.”
It was USA Today baseball writer Rod Beaten who was pushed by Bonds, who had words with the reporter before placing an open palm on his chest and shoving him back.
“Everything’s cool,” Bonds said before hitting his 16th homer in the first inning. “I respect Rod for standing up to me. I was just trying to break up some tension we’ve had in the past.”
Blowers benched
Los Angeles third baseman Mike Blowers was benched in place of Mike Busch and was told he will return to the lineup by Monday.
“I’m not happy about it,” Blowers said, “but right now we’re struggling and Tommy (Lasorda, the manager) has to change things around. I’m not going to criticize him for that. I’m hitting .200. What can I say?”
Chad Fonville also was yanked out of the starting lineup and replaced by rookie left fielder Todd Hollandsworth. Lasorda said Hollandsworth probably will stay in left field throughout the three-game series at St. Louis, and with right-handed-hitting outfielder Billy Ashley expected to return from the disabled list next week, Fonville again may be back on the bench in a utility role.
Dawson headed for DL
Marlins outfielder Andre Dawson, 41, will undergo knee surgery for the 12th time and is expected to be sidelined four weeks. Dawson, who needs to have a cyst removed from his right knee, was placed on the 15-day DL.