Thursday, May 22, 2008

Doumit is not planning on a long DL trip

Good news is rare for Pirate fans, but I think we've found some. Here's Doumit talking about his thumb injury:

"Mark my words," Doumit said. "I will be back sooner than anyone thinks."

Dr. Mark Baratz, the Pirates' hand specialist, has cleared Doumit to take dry swings, but the team's preference yesterday was to wait another day or so to be cautious. As a result, Doumit was limited to throwing, which he does with his right hand.

Still, the clearance itself comes roughly two weeks earlier than expected, and another examination today could bring more positive news, that being that the small, horizontal fracture in the tip of the thumb has not spread or affected the nearby joint.

Doumit's absence is most obvious in a game like last night's, where the Pirates racked up 11 hits, including 4 for extra bases, and only managed one run. We can certainly use his bat a soon as he's ready.