Josh Willingham is on the road to recovery .
Josh Willingham played in an extended spring training game in Jupiter on Wednesday. Willingham, who was placed on the disabled list with a strained lower back May 2 (retroactive to April 28), went 0 for 4 with a walk and two strikeouts.
Gonzalez said his left fielder reported no pain after the game and will play at Double A Carolina on Thursday. Willingham will play left field and DH for seven to nine games with the Mudcats. Gonzalez hopes to have Willingham back in three weeks.
Before you get all concerned about Willingham going 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts, you need to keep in mind that previously Josh was facing pitching that was trying to let him hit the ball and get his swing back into some sort of a rhythm.
Yesterday he was up against a pitcher who was trying to get him out. It has been awhile since he has seen that type of pitching. He will be fine as long as he is feeling no pain, and he reported that he wasn't after yesterday's game. However, it does take some reps to knock off all of the rust.
Starting today, the Mudcats are going to eat better, and for free, after the games. Courtesy of the Hammer.