Carlton Fisk`s sore right foot, which hasn`t responded much to anything else, was placed in a protective cast Thursday, and the veteran catcher could be out of action for another month or more.
Fisk`s foot is expected to remain in the cast for about two weeks. White Sox trainer Herm Schneider said it likely would take another two weeks, once the cast is removed, for Fisk to be able to play.
”That`s probably being generous,” Schneider said. ”There`s a lot of variables involved.”
Fisk, on the disabled list and back in Chicago, hasn`t played at all since March 18, when he hit his only spring homer.
Bone scans and X-rays found no fracture, and Schneider and team doctors continue to believe the problem is a form of tendinitis in the sole of the right foot not unlike the condition that slowed Charlie Hough early last season.
”This is about the worst case I ever had,” said Schneider.
That`s one: After one appearance, Bobby Thigpen was 1 for 1 in save opportunities. For this reliever, a welcome relief.
When he came into Wednesday`s game to protect Greg Hibbard`s 4-3 lead, he said he felt surrounded by good feelings.
”Our team, we all get along well,” said Thigpen. ”A good bunch of guys that like each other. We all pull for each other. Ozzie`s a big booster of mine. So`s Robin.”
Guillen and Ventura, he said, let him know it Wednesday night. ”I`m glad to think they had a lot of confidence when I come in. It helps.”
There he is: When the Sox traded for Tim Raines a year ago, they expected him to be a presence at leadoff. Except in flashes, it didn`t happen, as Raines first battled tentativeness and, later, nagging problems with his hamstrings. Two games into the new season, Raines is looking like Raines. ”Tim`s an important player for us,” said Lamont. ”He played great all spring (he hit .380), and he`s kind of igniting things like we want him to do.”
Bo`s home: Bo Jackson was released Thursday from Palos Community Hospital. Jackson, who received a hip replacement Saturday, has been walking for days and now faces nine more months of rehab. He is expected to be at Comiskey Park for the home opener Monday.
