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Wednesday, March 19, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Catching prospect J.R. House, already behind in his development and coming off three surgeries last year, had another setback when his right arm was reinjured.

House said yesterday his arm was injured while throwing, and he is waiting to be checked out by team medical director Patrick DeMeo. It is possible he will have to see Dr. James Andrews, the specialist who performed reconstructive elbow surgery on House last year.

House, who was reassigned from major-league camp earlier this month, felt a pain in a ligament as bad as before he had arm surgery.

While House was not expected to get behind the plate again until August, it was thought he could be used as a designated hitter with a minor-league club.

Things are now on hold until the medical diagnosis is in.

"I'm just waiting to see what the doctors tell me. I can't do much of anything right now," he said.

Up to speed

While their teammates had the day off in major-league camp, pitcher Kip Wells and center fielder Kenny Lofton played in a minor-league game at Pirate City.

Staying on track to follow Kris Benson in the rotation, Wells pitched to a minor-league lineup while pitching coach Spin Williams looked on from the dugout.

Lofton is trying to get up to speed so he can play in an exhibition game tomorrow or Friday.

"He's a well-conditioned guy and has been throughout his career," General Manager Dave Littlefield said.

"He's not full speed yet. Every player has to get used to the stops, starts and turns. But it looks like he's coming on."