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Starter battling back from rotator-cuff tear looks good in debut

It was only two innings, and there was some shoulder tightness afterward. Nonetheless, it was a step forward for Chuck James.

The Braves left-hander allowed one hit and retired six of seven batters in his Grapefruit League debut Thursday during a 10-inning, 6-6 tie against Detroit at Joker Marchant Stadium.

"I feel pretty positive about my first start, especially against that lineup," said James, who's been brought along slowly by the Braves after being diagnosed with a partial rotator-cuff tear in his throwing shoulder in October.

"It felt good, as far as no pain. When I was done pitching it tightened up a little, but I guess that's normal for this stage," James said of the recovery process.

James got two groundouts and six flyouts, including a broken bat popup by Miguel Cabrera.

"For the first time out, it was excellent," Braves manager Bobby Cox said.

James, an 11-game winner in each of his two seasons in the majors, knows that he is probably going to Class AAA Richmond to begin the season. Even if he had been cleared to begin pitching sooner, he would've faced job competition.

Rookie Jair Jurrjens has been outstanding, posting a 1.00 ERA and .138 opponents' average in three starts. Barring injury, Jurrjens seems assured a rotation spot.

If Mike Hampton is healthy when the season begins, he's in the rotation with John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Tom Glavine. That would leave no vacancies.

"Obviously I've thought about [Richmond]," James said. "Whatever they want to do. They have the leeway, with Jurrjens throwing as well as he has.

"If I have to go to Richmond, it might be a good chance for me to go down there and get back in a groove."

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