It seems like almost every team in the playoff hunt this year has been hit hard by injuries at some point during the 2007 MLB season. A number of playoff contenders have some key personnel almost ready to make their return from the infirmary and give them an added boost down the stretch.
Curt Schilling - Boston
After throwing pain-free in the bullpen earlier in the week Schilling was cleared to make his first rehab start for Pawtucket this weekend, with another minor-league start tentatively scheduled for next Thursday. If all goes well down on the farm, Schilling could be back in Boston within two weeks.
Ryan Dempster - Chicago Cubs
After pitching a perfect inning in a game with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday and putting together another fine outing in the minors on Thursday, Dempster was scheduled to rejoin the Cubs on Friday. Dempster is expected to take over the closing duties again, which would allow Bob Howry to step back into his usual set-up role.
Randy Wolf - L.A. Dodgers
Wolf threw off flat ground during a bullpen session earlier in the week, but still appears to be a week or two away from rejoining the Dodgers. The Los Angeles rotation is full of holes thanks to injury and they need Wolf back as soon as possible, but management has said they won't rush him back from his shoulder injury.
Bill Hall - Milwaukee
Hall practiced in the outfield and did some light running on Wednesday on his sprained ankle. According to Hall he's almost back up to full speed and was planning on taking batting practice on Thursday for the first time since the injury. Barring any major setbacks Hall should work his way back into the lineup next week.
Phil Hughes - N.Y. Yankees
The Yankees could really use Hughes' arm in their rotation and he may be close to returning to the big leagues. Hughes pitched four strong innings in his second rehab start with New York's Double-A farm MLB team in Trenton earlier last week, and is expected to take the mound again on Monday for Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre. As long as Hughes' hamstring continues to hold up he should be back in pinstripes by the end of the month.
Huston Street - Oakland
Mike Piazza - Oakland
If the Athletics hope to make another second-half postseason push they need Street and Piazza healthy and productive. Street felt fine after pitching a simulated game earlier this week, but his final test will come this weekend when he'll make a minor-league appearance. If that goes all right he could be back with Oakland on Monday. Piazza began a minor-league assignment earlier this week and is hitting .400 with a homer and two RBI. Piazza could rejoin the Athletics as soon as Friday.
Brett Myers - Philadelphia
Myers begins a rehab assignment with the Phillies' A-ball minor-league team on Friday. The timetable on Myers right now has him returning to the Phillies' bullpen in about a week. Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel has already said Myers will take over the closer's role again once he returns.
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