Counsell slowly gets back into swing

Nick Piecoro
The Arizona Republic
March 17, 2006

TUCSON - Craig Counsell stepped into the cage during batting practice Thursday and was serenaded with a good-natured introduction from manager Bob Melvin, who was clearly pleased to see his projected starting shortstop return to work.

Counsell, out since Feb. 28 with a tear in his right labrum, took live batting practice for the first time and played catch, and plans call for him to hit in a minor league game this afternoon.

"Felt good," Counsell said. He would not elaborate.

Melvin said Counsell swung during Wednesday's off-day, taking soft toss and hitting off a tee.

Counsell's rehab timetable should allow him to get enough at-bats to be ready for Opening Day, Melvin said.

Counsell can get plenty of at-bats in minor league games as the club can have him hit in every inning of the exhibitions. He won't play in the field today, Melvin said.

"We're really encouraged with how his day went," Melvin said. "Just to get him out on the field . . . makes everybody feel that much better."