Swift’s return next week doubtful > Shoulder problem not termed serious

Former University of Maine All-American righthander Billy Swift probably won’t come off the San Francisco Giants’ disabled list next week, but there was good news about his shoulder inflammation from Giants trainer Mark Letendre.

Letendre, also a UM graduate, said a variety of tests on Swift’s arm “confirmed that he has an inflammation in the whole shoulder capsule and the rotator cuff. But there is no damage to the cartilage in the shoulder and no structural damage to the bones in the shoulder.”

Swift, who is 6-0 with a 2.33 earned run average, developed a tender shoulder following a rough stint against Philadephia (5 innings, 7 hits, 4 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout) on May 12. He missed a turn and returned against the New York Mets on May 22, allowing seven hits and five runs with five walks and four strikeouts in five innings.

The shoulder was still bothering him, so he was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 23.

Swift has pitched 65 2/3 innings and given up 56 hits. He has struck out 29 and walked 18. San Francisco has won all nine games he’s started.

“It’s doubtful that he’ll be able to come off the DL when he’s due,” said Letendre. “We’ve got to get the inflammation out, work on his range of motion and then work on his strength. It’s going to be a very intense rehabilitation period for him.

“But I’m cautiously optimstic that he’ll be back pitching for us later this month,” added Letendre.

Swift has had a cortisone shot and is taking oral anti-inflammatory drugs according to Letendre.

Swift had been a reliever with the Seattle Mariners, who traded him to San Francisco, and there was speculation that being turned into a starter this year contributed to his arm trouble.

“That’s just speculation,” said Letendre. “A lot of relievers have become starters without problems.”

Letendre said the Giants are going to be “very cautious” bringing Swift back.

“We’re going to make sure he’s 100 percent,” said Letendre. “One of the positive things is that his arm will be fresh in August and September while some of the other arms will be stale.”

Letendre would not speculate on how Swift will or should be used, whether as a starter or a reliever, when he returns.

“That’s up to (manager) Roger Craig and (pitching coach) Carlos Alfonso to determine,” said Letendre. “But Billy will be monitored.”