Mills heading back to Florida

While the Orioles get ready to embark on a three-city, seven-game road trip, reliever Alan Mills leaves today for Sarasota, Fla., where the weather is warmer and the club has its extended spring training. He'll throw batting practice as part of his rehabilitation of a pinched nerve in his neck that has kept him on the disabled list for more than a month.

"I figure it would be good to go down there and at least pitch to live hitters, even though I have a screen in front of me. Just kind of get used to the ball coming off the bat and seeing the hitter up there. I haven't seen that in a while," he said.

Manager Davey Johnson was impressed with the way Mills threw in the bullpen in Seattle and again Tuesday at Camden Yards, and talked of wanting him to begin a rehabilitation assignment. But Mills was examined Tuesday by Dr. Michael Jacobs, who said he didn't feel the right-hander was ready to pitch.

Neither did Mills. "I need more time," he said.

Team officials said Mills could be ready for a rehab assignment in 10 days to two weeks. Jacobs will examine Mills again when the team returns home.

Pub Date: 5/22/97