Lilly making progress, but team isn't rushing him

[Carissa]

Lilly making progress, but team isn't rushing him
Laurence Miedema / San Jose Mercury News
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercuryne...ts/3900266.htm

CLEVELAND - Ted Lilly might not pitch in a game until at least mid-September, but the A's starter said his left shoulder feels so good that he hopes to be throwing off the mound by the end of this month.

Lilly went on the disabled list July 23 because of a sore shoulder and didn't even pick up a baseball until last week. Monday, Lilly threw from 150 feet for about 10 minutes before the game at Jacobs Field.

``We're going to see how that goes and then gradually stretch it out,'' Lilly said. ``Hopefully by the end of the trip I'll be able to get some work off the mound too.''

Lilly was acquired July 5 from the New York Yankees in a three-team trade and took a no-hitter into the fifth inning of his A's debut. He made one more start before going on the D.L. to begin a shoulder-strengthening program.

Trainer Larry Davis said the recovery will continue at a cautious pace because any setback would probably sideline Lilly, who has a history of shoulder problems, for the remainder of the season.

``We only get one shot at this,'' Davis said. ``Any setback will cost you about two to three weeks. We don't have two to three weeks.''

When Lilly is cleared to pitch, he probably will get his rehabilitation work done in simulated games before batting practice. All of the A's minor league teams conclude their regular seasons by Sept. 4 -- only Class A Modesto appears headed for the postseason -- and the Arizona instructional league doesn't start until mid-September.

[CharmedForever61]

Thanks for sharing the good news on TedI think the trainer is doing the right thing on being cautious about Teds recovery because it wouldn't be good to see Ted miss the remainder of the season(if there isn't any strike of course!)Get well soon,Ted.

[PinstripeFanatic]

Thanks for the article, Carissa

I am glad Oakland is taking things slow with Ted. I think Larry Davis has the right idea. I don't want Ted to be hurt again and I'm sure strengthening his shoulder will help him. Go Ted!!!!!!! Hope you're fully healed soon

[Luvtino]

Thanks cd!! I am glad he is feeling better. I am also happy that they are taking the conservative route. I'd rather he come back 100% then come back too soon and get injured again. I wish him nothing but the best.

[KLJ]

Originally posted by cdmirra
Trainer Larry Davis said the recovery will continue at a cautious pace because any setback would probably sideline Lilly, who has a history of shoulder problems, for the remainder of the season.

history of shoulder problems? sounds like the yanks may of known what they were doing.. anyone know what shoulder problems they are talking about?

[2JAY]

Originally posted by KLJ

history of shoulder problems? sounds like the yanks may of known what they were doing.. anyone know what shoulder problems they are talking about?

1997-missed the last 3 weeks of the season with a pinched nerve in his left shoulder.
1999-spent almost 2 moths on the DL with shoulder tendinitis. Then had shoulder surgery in the off season to repair a tear in the labrum of his left shoulder.
2000-began the season on the 15 day DL with shoulder tendintis in his left shoulder.

[caroline331]

Carissa, thakns for keeping us updated on it. I hope this is the last of the injuries for him

[Flashfire]

Fortunately, the A's are in a position where they can afford to take it easy with Lilly given that Lidle's returned to his second-half form of last year (and then some), and Harang is doing a fine job as a servicable #5 starter.

[bagger015]

Interesting, I'm thinking the Yankees got rid of him due to the shoulder and the way he pitches. Maybe it's time to work on pitching without so much strain on the shoulder........