Here’s the latest from around baseball…
- A nagging blister problem bothered right-hander Aaron Sanchez during his rough outing against the Red Sox today, the Blue Jays ace told reporters (including MLB.com’s Gregor Chisholm). Sanchez has been dealing with the sore spot on his middle right finger since Spring Training, with the affected area going from “hot spot” to blister at various times during the season. While Sanchez’s performance obviously hasn’t been much hampered by his minor injury for much of the season, one need only look at Rich Hill’s problems over the last few months to note how a blister can develop into a major issue. Sanchez’s next start was expected to be at least a couple of days later than normal anyways, Chisholm notes, as part of the Jays’ plan to monitor their young star’s innings.
- Jordan Zimmermann will throw a simulated game rather than make his next scheduled start for the Tigers, manager Brad Ausmus told reporters (including George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press). Two separate DL stints due to a neck strain have limited Zimmermann to just two starts since the end of June, and the righty didn’t look good in either outing, allowing a combined 10 earned runs over just 2 2/3 innings. The 80-pitch sim game isn’t due to another injury, however, but rather simply give Zimmermann a chance to build up arm speed and regain his mechanics. Zimmerman had no issue with the Tigers’ decision, saying “I can’t be going out there pitching like dog crap, not giving our team a chance to win. We need to win now.”
- Newly-acquired relievers are playing a huge role in this season’s pennant races, Peter Gammons of GammonsDaily.com writes, ranging from the blockbuster deals at the trade deadline to less-heralded deals like the Blue Jays’ trades for Jason Grilli and Joaquin Benoit. With the cost of relief pitching so high, an AL manager and AL general manager both suggest to Gammons that clubs could focus more on drafting pitchers they specifically groom as relievers or even old-school “fireman” types who can pitch multiple innings in any game situation.
Wasn’t Zimmerman awarded the “best free agent signing” in Mid May and David Price was deemed a Bust?
Yes, I think that was the opinion of many. Shows you can’t judge too soon. Price has been very good of late.
There’s always a transitional phase for anyone switching teams/leagues.
Agreed, RS Rob. Lester experienced same in Chicago last year. Good point.
Maybe the Jays and LAD hire some kind of medic to handle the hands only, or to be more specific.. Blister specialist?
Remember way back at the start of Becket’s career when he was missing starts while with the Marlins with blister issues? That ceased with Boston. Don’t remember who it was Boston brought in, was over 10 seasons ago, but the ceased when he arrived that 1st ST and seem to recall his saying something about a treatment they were doing with his hands.
Just suggesting.. May be a way to do something about once blister prone hands..
Okay, that’s it. I’m changing my career to an MLB blister specialist right now.