Endy

Chavez

Because the injury only bothers his throwing, Chavez could appear as a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner.

He’s day-to-day.

Frank Robinson thinks Chavez is getting too much advice, so he gave him a little more -- stop listening to everyone and retain a single-minded approach to leadoff hitting. Chavez does have some value with his seven stolen bases, but with his .275 OBP (career .291), he’s no more the answer to center field and leadoff than Peter Bergeron. He should lose playing time upon Nick Johnson’s return.

It’s not a good sign when manager Frank Robinson says, ''It’s almost like we’re starting the ball game with one out; it’s a concern.’' Chavez has a .292 on-base percentage. He does have nine stolen bases in 14 attempts, so he’s not without value. However, if Chavez doesn’t improve soon, Brad Wilkerson and his .409 on-base percentage with four stolen bases could be placed into the leadoff spot once he recovers all the way from an eye problem.

''You have to score runs,’' Bowden said. ''We have a situation right now that we’re hoping that we can get production in center field and first base.’' Speculation has already begun that Bowden is scouting his former club, the Reds, and their surplus of outfielders, perhaps thinking of going after Ken Griffey Jr. or Wily Mo Pena to play center field.

He hopes to return today. Chavez is in real danger of not making the Expos. Peter Bergeron, Terrmel Sledge and Juan Rivera could split time at one position with Brad Wilkerson switching between center and left.

Chavez missed his second consecutive game yesterday because of neck spasms. However, manager Frank Robinson said Chavez is getting better and should be able to play on Sunday against the Astros or Monday when the Expos play the Giants in San Francisco.

Chavez is hitting .242 against right-handers. ''I just think the left-handers that he does face throw him off, get him out of his rhythm and out of his game,’' Robinson said. ''I’m hoping right now to get him back in a rhythm and hopefully he just hits basically against right-handers. That’s my thinking.’' Yeah, sure. If you have Chavez in your NL-only leagues, begin spot-starting him against righties if you can.

The Expos’ leadoff hitter is day-to-day.

He singled three times and walked once, raising his average to .299 on the season. With Cliff Floyd out of the lineup again, he should get most of the starts in left field.