Billy

Wagner

Ichiro becomes the first Japanese-born player headed to Cooperstown and fell just one ballot shy of being a unanimous selection with 99.7 percent of the vote. The Mariners icon wrapped up a legendary 19-year career with 3,089 hits, which doesn’t include his additional 1,278 hits overseas in Japan prior to his stateside arrival. The 2001 AL MVP Award winner broke George Sisler’s single-season record with a staggering 262 hits during a transcendent 2004 campaign and made 10 consecutive All-Star Game appearances from 2001-2010. A six-time All-Star and 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner, Sabathia split his 19-year career between the Guardians and Yankees, with a memorable half-season stint for the Brewers sandwiched in the middle back in 2008 when he tossed an astounding seven complete games during a 17-start span. The generational southpaw, who finished with 251 wins in addition to a lifetime 3.74 ERA across 560 career starts, appeared on 86.8 percent of ballots to easily clear the 75 percent threshold. Among the elite closers of his generation and a strikeout machine, Wagner finally gets the long-awaited call for enshrinement — appearing on 82.5 percent of ballots — during his 10th and final year of eligibility after falling just short (73.8 percent) last year. The trio will join the late Dick Allen and Dave Parker, who were selected for enshrinement back in December by the Classic Baseball Era Committee, this summer in Cooperstown.

Beltré and Mauer earned induction into the hallowed halls of Cooperstown on their very first year on the ballot — garnering 95.1 percent and 76.1 percent of the vote respectively. It was a much longer road for Todd Helton, who finally eclipsed the 75% threshold (with 79.7 percent) in his sixth season on the ballot. Billy Wagner fell just five votes short of induction — finishing with 73.8 percent of the vote in his ninth season of eligibility. He should be able to nose it over the finish line in his final year on the ballot. Gary Sheffield was unable to do so in his final year of eligibility, finishing at 63.9 percent. Andruw Jones saw his total slightly rise from 58.1 percent to 61.6 percent in his seventh year on the ballot. Carlos Beltran was the only other player with over 50 percent of the vote — getting 57.1 percent in his second year on the ballot.

Depending on how Wagner’s shoulder feels tomorrow, the Phillies could create a timeline for his return.

If he feels OK, Wagner will throw off the mound a few more times and eventually make a few rehab appearances before he returns to the bullpen. That could be in two weeks.

Wagner said he felt fine afterward. He expects to throw off the mound three more times before he make three rehab appearances. If he throws every other day, he could return to the Phillies’ bullpen September 5.

Wagner visited team physician Michael Ciccotti yesterday. He will resume throwing Sunday. With the Phillies falling quickly out of the race, there doesn’t appear to be much to gain by having Wagner pitch in September.

Wagner took a couple days off after a cortisone shot. His return remains in doubt.

As a veteran traded during in the middle of a multiyear deal, Wagner could have demanded the Phillies trade him or set him free. However, it was clear that that wasn’t going to happen.

Wagner (strained left rotator cuff) could begin his rehab assignment Sunday. Manager Larry Bowa expects Madson (sprained right pinkie) to make a few rehab appearances as well.

He is still experiencing discomfort in his shoulder which could be tendinitis. Wagner, who was scheduled to throw in bullpen sessions today and Friday, is meeting with team doctors today, and will have his rehab program pushed back at least a few days. Although the Philly closer remains optimistic he will pitch again this season, we are not so confident.