Exploratory arthroscopic surgery Thursday on Dave Smith`s right knee revealed nothing more serious than a sprained ligament, the club said. Team physician Dr. Michael Schafer performed the operation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Smith could be back as early as next month.
”It was very minute and clean,” trainer John Fierro said. ”Everything checked out fine. It`s about time we had one like that.”
Smith will rest for several days, then begin a gradual rehabilitation program, Fierro said.
Bullpen shift: Paul Assenmacher, who has tied a career high with 10 saves, becomes the closer in Smith`s absence. But manager Jim Essian is looking for one of three others-Heathcliff Slocumb, Bob Scanlan or newly promoted Dave Pavlas-to emerge as the right-hander he`ll call on late in games. The three rookies have a total of one save in the majors.
On Thursday, Pavlas replaced Laddie Renfroe, who was sent to Triple-A Iowa. In 47 relief appearances at Iowa, Pavlas was 3-5 with seven saves and a 3.21 ERA. He allowed 66 hits, 31 walks and fanned 38 in 75 2/3 innings.
Fine situation: A decision on fines or suspensions for Andre Dawson and Rob Dibble might not come until early next week because NL President Bill White won`t return to his New York office until Monday. White will review videotapes and read umpire Joe West`s reports on Dawson`s run-in with West and the incident in which Dibble hit Doug Dascenzo with a throw as he ran out a bunt. Sorry about that: Freddie Benavides` fortunes took a nosedive in about an hour Thursday. He arrived at Wrigley Field to find his name in the Reds` starting lineup at shortstop. Then he was a guest on Reds broadcaster Joe Nuxhall`s radio show. Then manager Lou Piniella told writers the rookie ”has made himself into a major-leaguer.”
After batting practice, Benavides was called into Piniella`s office and told he was going to Triple-A Nashville to make room for Jose Rijo, coming off the disabled list. Benavides was hitting .316.
