Bonderman hurt, Tigers drop
posted in 2007 season, Seattle Mariners |Seattle 14, Tigers 7
Nice of the Tigers and Mariners to put up a good football score…
Detroit’s playoff chances took a serious hit Sunday. Jeremy Bonderman pitched on a day he shouldn’t, and gave up six runs and his health. The Tigers bullpen faltered. The New York Yankees won, for a four-game lead. As I write this, Cleveland is winning and could soon lead the Central by six games. Sunday was not a good day, indeed.
I’m done for awhile.
That’s what Bonderman said. He did not make it out of the second inning. His previous start, he shook off his trainer and manager, only to give up a game-changing home run. Just three starts ago, he pitched into the sixth inning without recording a strikeout. It was the first time in his career he pitched that deep without getting a K. The first time since his rookie season it happened at all.
Fact is, he’s been pretty iffy in the past few weeks, having just one win to show since mid-July. Danny Knobler wrote not too long ago even Bonderman’s teammates thought he was injured. Bonderman admitted Sunday he has sharp pain in his elbow. He’s scheduled for an MRI. He’s scared. He’s probably going to be shut down for the rest of the season. The worry isn’t 2007 now. The worry is that maybe this should have happened a few starts ago to make sure he’s healthy in 2008. Needless to say, with the happenings Sunday, 2008 should probably be the focus for the whole team.
Bonderman (11-9) told the coaching staff that his elbow felt good after warm-ups on Sunday, but later he acknowledged that he probably shouldn’t have pitched. (Freep)
It’s too bad the early lead was squandered by a guy who should have been resting, but didn’t tell the manager or trainer he had serious problems going on. It’s too bad a day that started off with Curtis Granderson joining Willie Mays as the third 20-20-20-20 player ended with the once-ace pitcher admitting he’s had lingering, sharp pain. It’s too bad the Tigers got all over Felix Hernandez, only to see the (presumably healthy!) bullpen struggle as much as the starter.
Too bad every positive memory of the season is matched by several negative ones, especially because 2007 has its highlights. But I’m sure every player and fan would trade those for some October highlights as well.
Giving yourself up for the team is fine, when it works. But a pitcher with sharp pain in his elbow just can’t make that sacrifice.
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