Hector Villanueva singled, doubled, had an RBI, upped his average to .291 and probably gained ground Monday in the competition among four catchers for the two or three spots on the 1992 Cubs roster.
Here`s a progress report on the four catchers:
– Villanueva: Hitting .481 (13 for 27) in 10 games since his recall from Iowa. Has four doubles, one triple, one homer and five RBIs in that span. Hit .360 with two homers and nine RBIs in six games for Iowa.
– Damon Berryhill: Popped out as pinch-hitter for the final out Monday. Hit game-winning homer Friday in first at-bat since he was recalled from Iowa. Hit .330 with eight homers and 24 RBIs in 97 at-bats at Iowa. Batted .176 before his trip to the minors.
– Joe Girardi: Is 6 for 33 (.182) in 10 games since rturning from the disabled list. On DL with back injury April 17-Aug. 6. Batted .222 and threw out four of 10 would-be base-stealers in the minors.
– Rick Wilkins: Pinch ran, scored and caught but did not bat Monday. Has four hits in last nine at-bats after enduring an 0-for-20 slump. He`s just 7 for his last 49. Hit .271 and threw out 43.8 percent of stolen-base attempts at Iowa.
Injury report: Luis Salazar, penciled into the lineup at third base Monday, was scratched due to a groin injury and replaced by Doug Strange. Salazar pinch-hit in the ninth and grounded into a fielder`s choice. His condition is day-to-day.
Shawon Dunston singled, homered and put down a neat sacrifice despite a bruised hand. He`s hitting .405 (34 for 84) in his last 24 games.
Homer notes: Andre Dawson hit his 25th Monday, Ryne Sandberg his 23rd. George Bell has 24. Bell`s next homer will make him and Dawson the first pair of Cubs outfielders since George Altman (27) and Billy Williams (25) in 1961 to hit 25 or more apiece.
