Wells Has Diabetes, Willis To Start

Tuesday, March 20th 2007, 8:41 am

By: News On 6

UNDATED (AP) _ San Diego pitcher David Wells has struggled with weight problems and has missed starts because of gout during his major league career. The lefty also has learned recently that he has type-2 diabetes, which the Padres say is controllable.

The San Diego Union-Tribune says the 43-year-old Wells was diagnosed with the illness two weeks ago. He signed a one-year contract in January to return to his hometown Padres as the club's fifth starter.

In other spring training news:

_ Dontrelle Willis has been named Florida's opening-game pitcher at Washington on April 2nd. The lefty also was the Marlins' opening-day hurler last year.

_ Pitcher Matt White has been sent to the minor league camp by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The lefty gained notoriety early in training camp when it was learned he owns property on a rock quarry with an estimated value of over $2 billion.

_ Ken Griffey Junior continues to have soreness in the wrist he broke in December and may not be ready for Cincinnati's opening day.