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Patterson won't rush his return

July 22, 2006 12:50 am

By TODD JACOBSON

WASHINGTON--Surgery came as a relief to Nationals' starting pitcher John Patterson, and he walked into Washington's clubhouse yesterday--his right arm still in a sling--with the ease of finally knowing what ailed him.

But after having successful surgery Thursday to fix several impingements in his right forearm, Patterson cautioned that he wouldn't rush back.

"I am going to come back when I am healthy and I am ready," Patterson said. "I am not going to rush it. If I pitch this year, then good. If I don't, it's OK. My goal right now is to be healthy and ready for next year."

After Patterson had surgery Thursday to release several impingements on the median nerve in his right arm and to release a piece of tissue connecting the biceps tendon, there was hope that Patterson could return in four to six weeks--and not miss the entire season as expected.

However, Patterson said yesterday that he won't begin throwing for nearly a month and that he would need at least six more weeks to rehabilitate his arm. If he returns at all, it could be for the last week or two of the season.

Patterson originally felt pain in his right forearm at the end of spring training. He made four starts, then spent two months on the disabled list before returning for four more starts that ended with a one-inning outing against the San Diego Padres July 9.

In what could have been a breakout year for the 28-year-old, Patterson compiled a 1-2 record with a 4.43 ERA while wondering all along what was truly wrong with his arm.

"I feel like a lot of stress has been lifted off me," Patterson said. "To finally figure out what the problem was and to get it fixed, it takes a lot of stress off me. I was pulling my hair out for a long time."

Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said he was OK with being cautious with Patterson while holding out hope Patterson could return this year.

"I think there is a possibility," Bowden said. "What's important from his diagnosis is that there was nothing serious. The ligament was intact and for his long-term benefit and the long-term benefit of the club he's going to be fine."

Melvin Dorta's natural position is shortstop, but his ability to play almost every position is what got him to the majors.

Dorta, a 24-year-old native of Venezuela, had his contract purchased from Double-A Harrisburg yesterday. With utilityman Damian Jackson on the disabled list, Dorta will become the Nationals' super-sub.

"He is a guy that can play all over," Nationals director of player personnel Bob Boone said. "You are going to find a spot eventually."

Dorta was acquired in a trade with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and played every position but catcher with Harrisburg this season, hitting .277 with 24 RBIs and 25 steals.

When Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft came in June, high school third baseman Dustin Dickerson spread the word that he was strongly committed to attending Baylor.

He's beginning to rethink that stance.

Dickerson, who was the Nationals' 15th-round selection out of Midway (Texas) High School, took batting practice at RFK Stadium yesterday and said he was leaning toward playing professional baseball--as long as the money is right.

"I had some time to think about it," said Dickerson, who likely would've been taken in the first three rounds. "I was listening to the wrong people at the time instead of just listening to myself and doing what I want to do. My passion is baseball. I would be going to college to be a baseball player and not to be a student. It's kind of just a waste of time."

Three of the Nationals' top six picks in the draft remain unsigned: second-rounder Sean Black, third-rounder Stephen King and fourth-rounder Glenn Gibson.

Right fielder Jose Guillen, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with right elbow soreness, will be examined Monday by orthopedist James Andrews, Bowden said.

Second baseman Jose Vidro was held out of the lineup with left hamstring soreness. "I am not going to rush it because I don't have to," said Vidro, who injured himself earlier this week against the Florida Marlins.

Rookie left-hander Mike O'Connor will be skipped in the rotation with an offday Monday.

To reach TODD JACOBSON: 540/735-1974
Email: tjacobson@freelancestar.com