1.   Backup center Donald Hodge recently had the cast removed from his surgically repaired thumb.

2.   Hodge showed up at practice with his surgically repaired thumb in a cast and a sling, and his outlook in the dumps.

3.   Oakley said the surgically repaired right thumb that has kept him out was not bothering him.

4.   RHP A.J. Burnett had the cast removed from his surgically repaired thumb this week and has begun rehabilitation work.