Neil Allen passed his test during a simulated game Friday. Manager Jim Fregosi said the pitcher is over his pulled hamstring and will be reactivated after the All-Star break. Plans call for him to start July 20 against Baltimore. Allen looked good throwing 80 pitches.
”He`s throwing the ball better now than he`s been throwing all year,”
Fregosi said. ”He broke four bats today. He had good command of his pitches and his velocity was good.”
”I`m ready to go,” Allen said.
Fregosi also heard some encouraging news from Ron Hassey, who is out with a ruptured left bicep. ”I talked with Hassey, and he said he`ll be with us Thursday to start his recuperation,” Fregosi said. ”Hopefully, we`ll have him back by the first of August.”
Fregosi had nothing but raves for Steve Lyons. He saved the game in the Sox`s 6-3 victory over the Yankees Thursday. With two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth, Willie Randolph hit a hot shot toward Lyons at third. Lyons made a nifty pick-up and stepped on third for the final out. ”I was surprised he came up with it,” Randolph said. ”I think he was, too.”
”It`s nice to see him come around,” Fregosi said. ”He`s got some life and some spunk. He`s done a good job for us.”
The Sox probably sent Bob Tewksbury to the minors. They knocked him out in the fifth inning Thursday, and Friday the Yankees sent him to Triple-A Columbus. The Yankees recalled Pete Filson, whom the Sox traded to New York for Scott Nielsen last December. The Sox were offered a chance to get Tewksbury but declined.
Joel Davis could be on his way back to Chicago soon. He had an impressive performance Thursday at Triple-A Hawaii, shutting out Tacoma 3-0. He allowed only two hits. Tim Hulett had two hits and an RBI.
The Yankees will hold old-timers` day Saturday. The game will feature Yankees from the 1960s against Yankees from 1970s. Among the players expected to be on hand are Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Catfish Hunter.
