“Bobby said he’d like to take one week at a time,’’ Valentine said. “That means he’s a long way about thinking baseball activities. He’s really had a terrible offseason health-wise. He’s a real back-burner guy. I don’t think we’ll see him in baseball activities for quite a while if at all this spring.’’
Jenks made 19 appearances last season and had three stints on the disabled list, once for a biceps strain and twice for a back injury.
He did not appear in a game after July 7 and was terrible when he did pitch, posting a 6.32 ERA and a 2.23 WHIP.
He was found to have a pulmonary embolism late in the season, which required medication to dissolve. He then had two surgeries on his back to correct a spinal issue.
Two pitchers slowed
Righthander Ross Ohlendorf, who was signed to a minor league deal last week, is on a rehab program because of a shoulder injury. Aaron Cook also may be held back for the same reason, although he did throw 35 pitches in the bullpen yesterday.
“Aaron Cook has had shoulder issues in the past where he’s come back too soon,’’ Valentine said. “He’s done the step-forward and two-step-back thing and we’re trying to prevent that from happening again. We’re trying to get him to cruise on through. He’s not hurt, just trying to learn from the past.’’
Righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka and lefthander Rich Hill, who are coming back from Tommy John surgery, will not appear in any games this spring, as was expected. They could start minor league rehab assignments in May or June.
Last call?
Valentine said he has reached a decision on whether there will be alcohol in the clubhouse, but wouldn’t share it with the media until he tells the players.
One new rule he did reveal was that players would not be allowed to drive themselves to road games in spring training. Everybody will take the bus.
Knuckling under
With Tim Wakefield retiring, R.A. Dickey of the Mets is the only knuckleballer left in the majors.
