Bobby Thigpen experienced his first arm problem Monday night. He felt a strain in the right shoulder during the 6-3 victory over Boston. ”I never had anything wrong before,” Thigpen said. ”I didn`t know how I was supposed to act. I couldn`t tell Herm what was wrong.”
Trainer Herm Schneider said Thigpen has a slight pull in a muscle behind the shoulder. The injury isn`t believed to be serious. ”It`s just a little tight,” Thigpen said. ”I should be fine in a day or two.”
Thigpen`s problem allowed the Sox to make a discovery about Scott Nielsen, who came on in the ninth and retired the last three batters to record the save. Manager Jim Fregosi thought Nielsen`s sinker was as effective as it has been all season. ”We might try to warm him up a few times during the game to keep him tired,” Fregosi said. ”With a sinkerball pitcher, the more they throw, the better they get.”
Fregosi joked the other day that he`s thinking about platooning Greg Walker, resting him against righties and starting him against lefties. Of the lefty-swinging Walker`s 23 homers, 11 are off lefties, including five of his last six. He tagged lefty Bruce Hurst for a homer Monday.
White Sox plans to bring up minor leaguers in September could be delayed. Double-A Birmingham begins the Southern League playoffs Sept. 3, and General Manager Larry Himes said he won`t promote any players until the Barons` season is over. Among players up for consideration is pitcher Jack McDowell, the club`s No. 1 draft pick.
Amazing as it might seem, Boston`s Roger Clemens will shoot for his first victory against the Sox since April of 1986 when he faces them Wednesday night in the series finale.
