JUPITER, Fla. • Right fielder Lance Berkman engaged in limited throwing Saturday due to lingering left elbow stiffness. The same issue prevented Berkman from throwing during Friday's practice session.
Berkman was absent from Saturday's "coaches game," but that in itself was little cause for alarm since manager Tony La Russa did not include his projected starting lineup in the event. Jon Jay, Allen Craig and Tyler Greene represented the most experienced players in the hour-long game.
Berkman, who admitted to discomfort when trying to stretch out his arm this winter, did not cut loose on throws during morning drills. He was initially bypassed in fielding drills but eventually retrieved grounders in right field. While others threw with force, Berkman lobbed his tosses to a cut-off.
La Russa said the club would monitor Berkman's elbow but also believed the player would be available to participate in Sunday's coaches' game. "He hits the cut-off man," La Russa said. "That's all you want outfielders to do mostly."
The club and Berkman have downplayed the matter as more of a nuisance typical of what many defenders experience early in camp. However, Berkman is attempting a return to right field after working primarily at first base the last seven seasons. While most focus entering camp was on the left knee that compromised Berkman last season, his left arm is just as significant.
"We're doing cut-offs and relays. He knows what a cut-off and relay is," La Russa said. "There isn't a whole lot" he doesn't know.
La Russa has yet to disclose his lineup for Monday's Grapefruit League opener against the Florida Marlins. Berkman could be used as a designated hitter early on, if necessary.
La Russa indicated Saturday a reluctance to use David Freese until the team's projected starting third baseman is comfortable in all facets of his game. Freese, who required two ankle surgeries since August, has yet to run at top speed this spring.
Greene provides highlight
Greene provided the offensive highlight of the afternoon coach-pitch game when he reached Springfield pitching coach Bryan Eversgerd for a home run inside the left-field foul pole. Jay contributed two hits while center fielders Shane Robinson and Adron Chambers each showed well defensively.
Robinson was also cut down trying to score from second base when right fielder Nick Stavinoha and second baseman Donovan Solano teamed for a perfect relay to catcher Robert Stock. Catcher Steven Hill also ripped a double.
The coaches' games are a device La Russa uses each spring to transition the players from drills to games.
