THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 10, 1995 TAG: 9505100594
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM ROBINSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
It is likely that New York Mets outfielder Ryan Thompson will begin a medical rehabilitation assignment with the Norfolk Tides next Tuesday when the team returns from its road trip.
Gerry Hunsicker, the Mets' assistant vice president for baseball operations, said Tuesday that Thompson would be ready to start a maximum 20-day assignment early next week, and that the Tides' arrival home would be perfect timing for it.
``We haven't made a final decision on that,'' Hunsicker said, ``but it looks like it'll be down there.''
Thompson, slated to be the Mets' starting rightfielder, sustained a slight ligament tear in his right elbow near the end of spring training.
Thompson wouldn't necessarily play rightfield with the Tides. ``He needs at-bats more than anything,'' Hunsicker said.
Thompson, 27, played for the Tides in 1993, when he was sent down after a poor start with the Mets. He made the International League All-Star team despite playing only 60 games, during which he hit 12 home runs. He struck out once in every three times up.
Thompson's return or status with the Mets is not guaranteed, however. The Mets are pleased with rookie Carl Everett, who could retain the rightfield spot even when Thompson is healthy. by CNB