Two more admit to HGH use

Times wires
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — Former major-leaguer Randy Velarde testified Wednesday that he bought human growth hormone from Barry Bonds' trainer throughout the 2002 season, the fourth major-leaguer to admit to drug use during Bonds' perjury trial.

Velarde, who spent 10 of his 16 seasons with the Yankees and 2002 with the A's, also said Greg Anderson helped him inject it.

Marvin Benard, Bonds' teammate with the Giants, also testified about HGH and Anderson. That followed similar testimony Tuesday from Rockies first baseman Jason Giambi and former major-leaguer Jeremy Giambi.

None of the four directly testified about Bonds. Instead, they told the jury how Anderson supplied them with performance-enhancing drugs and instructions on how to use them.

Prosecutors hope to use the testimony to undercut Bonds' position that Anderson misled him into using steroids by telling him they were legal supplements.

Anderson is in jail on contempt of court charges for refusing to testify. So prosecutors are trying to show how he dealt with the players who flocked to him for help because of his link to Bonds.

Braves: Jair Jurrjens, out since last week with a sore right rib cage, is set to throw a bullpen session today. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said it hasn't been determined if the righty needs a minor-league rehab start.

Brewers: Outfielder Corey Hart (strained muscles in his left side) and catcher Jonathan Lucroy (broken right pinky) went on the disabled list.

Dodgers: The team will wear a patch with Duke Snider's No. 4 throughout this season. Also, it will celebrate his life on Aug. 9 with a ceremony and a giveaway of 50,000 bobbleheads of the franchise's all-time leading home run hitter who died in February.

Giants: Closer Brian Wilson went on the DL with a strained muscle on his left side sustained March 17. Wilson, who has thrown bullpen sessions, will be eligible to return April 6.

Indians: Centerfielder Grady Sizemore went on the DL. He is still recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee (which limited him to 33 games last season) and is not likely to be ready for a few more weeks.

Mets: Leftfielder Jason Bay had tests on his strained rib cage, and the team hasn't decided if he will open the season on the DL. It is unclear if the injury, sustained Tuesday, is related to the back stiffness that kept Bay out on Saturday and Sunday. Also, reliever Jason Isringhausen will remain in Florida for two weeks of extended spring training in hopes of landing a spot with the team. The 38-year-old right-hander signed a minor-league deal at the start of camp. If another team offers him a job, the Mets have the first right to call him up.

Phillies: Second baseman Luis Castillo was released after a brief tryout as a fill-in for Chase Utley, who is out indefinitely with a right knee injury. Castillo signed a minor-league deal March 21, three days after being released by the Mets. Wilson Valdez likely becomes the starter.

Reds: Five players went on the DL, including four pitchers with shoulder issues: right-hander starters Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey, right-handed relievers Jose Arredondo and Jared Burton, and outfielder Fred Lewis (strained muscle on his right side).

Media: Jamie Moyer, a 24-year veteran, will work as an analyst on ESPN's Baseball Tonight while rehabbing. The lefty, 48, had Tommy John surgery in December but wants to play in 2012.

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/two-more-admit-to-hgh-use/1160793

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