Manager Jim Fregosi is looking for survivors. He lost Bob James and Donnie Hill Thursday, and there`s a possibility he might have to do without Jim Winn, who will have his back examined by team doctors Friday in Chicago.
”He`s got a muscular problem,” said trainer Herm Schneider.
James went on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 23, for a sore right tricep. It marks the third straight year James has been on the disabled list since coming to the Sox in 1985. ”He`s coming along, but he`s not ready to pitch yet,” Schneider said.
Hill went on the 15-day DL retroactive to July 29 for a pulled hamstring. ”He`ll come back quick, but it will still take a week,” Schneider said.
Tim Hulett returns from Triple-A Hawaii, where he hit .233 with no homers and 15 RBIs in 27 games. He was hitting .219 with Sox before getting sent down.
”It was hard to get sent out, but easy to understand,” Hulett said.
Dave LaPoint will take Jose DeLeon`s spot in the rotation for now. DeLeon still is bothered by a sore neck.
Gary Redus said LaPoint is an off-speed pitcher. ”He`s the kind who gets you screwed up for a week,” Redus said.
Pitcher Ray Burris, who had taken a front office job with the Brewers this year but later decided to try a comeback, has been called up from the Brewers` Triple-A team at Denver. Burris, who turns 37 Sunday, retired after being released by the St. Louis Cardinals last Aug. 27.
In other moves, the Brewers optioned right-hander Alex Madrid to Denver. Madrid had no decisions and a 15.19 ERA in three appearances since joining the Brewers July 20. Infielder Jim Gantner was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Tuesday, with a strained left hamstring. Juan Castillo was activated from the disabled list Friday, taking Gantner`s roster spot.
