June 21, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Nomar Garciaparra is expected to resume throwing Friday, when the Boston Red Sox open a homestand at Fenway Park.

"I'm not sure how long, how many feet," Red Sox manager Jimy Williams said Thursday. "We'll take it one throw at a time."

The shortstop has been on the disabled list since March 21 with an injured right wrist. He has spent several weeks strengthening his arm since surgery.

Garciaparra could return a few weeks after the All-Star break.

"I've just always said, be patient, take your time and do it the right way," Williams said.

Garciaparra, a three-time All-Star and two-time defending American League batting champion, had surgery opening day.

The operation repaired a split and frayed tendon and the sheath that surrounds it. An exposed bone at the bottom of the sheath, an injury that had not been previously diagnosed, was smoothed during surgery.

Garciaparra, the 1997 AL Rookie of the Year, hit .357 in 1999 and .372 last season.