Sox’ Tepera ‘tentatively’ targets Reds series for return originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
DETROIT – The White Sox could get late-inning reliver Ryan Tepera back as soon as next week.
The right-hander said he’s “tentatively” targeting the two-game home series against the Reds next week for his return from the 10-day injured list (cut on right index finger).
“Probably try to get in 2 or 3 games before the playoffs,” he added, pausing to talk to a group of reporters on his way off the field before Tuesday’s game against the Tigers.
Tepera had just played catch in right field with his ringer wrapped. He’d started doing so over the weekend in Texas, hoping to keep his arm in shape while his finger continues to heal. The “skin flap” has reconnected, but Tepera said he can still feel the injury as the ball comes out of his hand.
“It’s just like having a little blister,” he said. “It’s sealed up, but the little blood that’s in there is still healing it. So, it’s a little sensitive at the very tip. I think that will be gone once it really fully heals.”
His initial hope, for the cut to heal in five to seven days, was overly optimistic, Tepera conceded. Monday marked one week from when Tepera said he sliced his finger on his apartment door frame.
His next step is to play catch without the wrap. Then, he hopes to throw off a mound in Cleveland, the White Sox’ next stop on their final road trip of the regular season.
“Today was probably the first day I’ve really been able to kind of let it go,” Tepera said Tuesday. “… I feel good about it,” he said, “so that’s the main thing.”
Since the White Sox acquired Tepera from the Cubs at the trade deadline, the right-hander has posted a 2.81 ERA, logging six holds and one save.
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