BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : Puckett Receives Encouraging News

Doctors say they see some encouraging signs after Minnesota Twin slugger Kirby Puckett’s eye surgery.

Twin physician Leonard Michienzi said four capillary growths were found, giving the hope that they will continue to do so and provide sufficient blood supply to heal Puckett’s right eye.

Puckett, who plans to see his eye specialist today in Baltimore, said the vision is improving but is still dark and cloudy.

*

Houston Astro reliever John Hudek has a fractured rib that will need three to four weeks to heal, the Astros said. It is not known how or when Hudek sustained the injury. . . . An irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure will sideline Philadelphia Phillie pitching coach Johnny Podres for the rest of the season, General Manager Lee Thomas said. Podres, 63, began a leave of absence April 19. He had open-heart surgery last November.