51s pitcher rejoins to team

Nick Christensen

Friday, April 25, 2003 | 10:03 a.m.

There was nothing unusual for 51s starting pitcher Scott Winchester to hear from his sister on Sunday. Not only was it Easter, but it was also Winchester's 30th birthday.

But the news his sister had wasn't news he wanted to hear. His 63-year-old father, John, had had a heart attack while visiting Scott's sister in Milwaukee, and would need quintuple bypass surgery.

Winchester was a first-team All-American at Clemson but has struggled with a 7.65 earned run average and no victories in four starts. He got permission Tuesday to leave the team. He returned Thursday to prepare for tonight's 7:10 start against the Sacramento River Cats. 0-1 Frank Castillo is scheduled to start for Sacramento.

"It sure doesn't make it easy to celebrate," said Winchester on Thursday of his birthday phone call. He said his father was recovering well. "He's always been behind me," he said. "It's in my mind a little bit, but I'm better that I know he's OK. I'm just happy he's all right."