Post by Fish Troll on Mar 26, 2007 15:21:07 GMT -5
Wood experiencing shoulder discomfort
Veteran right-hander could be sidelined on Opening Day
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood was to be examined on Monday after feeling discomfort in his right shoulder from Sunday's one-inning outing, and it was doubtful he could be ready by Opening Day.
On Sunday, Wood threw 18 pitches in one inning against the Angels, and served up three runs on three hits, including Kendry Morales' two-run homer. He didn't look as sharp as in his outing last Friday, when he needed just nine pitches to retire four batters.
"He obviously didn't have the same strength [Sunday] and didn't throw the ball as well and had some discomfort after the game," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said on Monday. "Today, he had more stiffness than normal, than he's had earlier in camp -- which was going smoothly for him besides his triceps. He has a little soreness. He'll be evaluated today by our people and we'll go from there."
It's been a strange spring for Wood, who was slowed at the beginning when he bruised his chest falling out of his hot tub. He made his Cactus League debut March 3, and had pitched one inning in three outings until he strained his right triceps in his March 11 outing. He pitched again March 23, needing nine pitches in one inning against the Giants.
Hendry did not want to say what the next step for Wood will be until the exam is completed. Team orthopedic specialist Dr. Stephen Gryzlo was in town to conduct the exam.
"Hopefully, it won't be significant," Hendry said of the diagnosis.
Wood, who is making the conversion from starter to reliever, was not expected to undergo an MRI. He made four starts last season before he was diagnosed with a partial tear in his right rotator cuff, and decided to rehab rather than undergo more surgery.
What about Opening Day?
"We're not worried about Opening Day now," Hendry said. "Let's be cognizant of getting him right, see what the people have to say.
"He's obviously put a lot of work in and wanted to be at the top of his game, and he feels badly that he's not 100 percent," Hendry said of Wood. "Hopefully, we'll get him right, and hopefully, it won't be significant. It's not about helping us next Monday but helping us over the long haul."
The Cubs have tried not to rush Wood.
"I'll try to impress on Kerry that there's plenty of time," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Sunday. "The better foundation you can build, the better. These kids are all competitive and they want to compete and they want to pitch and they want to help the ballclub."
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Veteran right-hander could be sidelined on Opening Day
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood was to be examined on Monday after feeling discomfort in his right shoulder from Sunday's one-inning outing, and it was doubtful he could be ready by Opening Day.
On Sunday, Wood threw 18 pitches in one inning against the Angels, and served up three runs on three hits, including Kendry Morales' two-run homer. He didn't look as sharp as in his outing last Friday, when he needed just nine pitches to retire four batters.
"He obviously didn't have the same strength [Sunday] and didn't throw the ball as well and had some discomfort after the game," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said on Monday. "Today, he had more stiffness than normal, than he's had earlier in camp -- which was going smoothly for him besides his triceps. He has a little soreness. He'll be evaluated today by our people and we'll go from there."
It's been a strange spring for Wood, who was slowed at the beginning when he bruised his chest falling out of his hot tub. He made his Cactus League debut March 3, and had pitched one inning in three outings until he strained his right triceps in his March 11 outing. He pitched again March 23, needing nine pitches in one inning against the Giants.
Hendry did not want to say what the next step for Wood will be until the exam is completed. Team orthopedic specialist Dr. Stephen Gryzlo was in town to conduct the exam.
"Hopefully, it won't be significant," Hendry said of the diagnosis.
Wood, who is making the conversion from starter to reliever, was not expected to undergo an MRI. He made four starts last season before he was diagnosed with a partial tear in his right rotator cuff, and decided to rehab rather than undergo more surgery.
What about Opening Day?
"We're not worried about Opening Day now," Hendry said. "Let's be cognizant of getting him right, see what the people have to say.
"He's obviously put a lot of work in and wanted to be at the top of his game, and he feels badly that he's not 100 percent," Hendry said of Wood. "Hopefully, we'll get him right, and hopefully, it won't be significant. It's not about helping us next Monday but helping us over the long haul."
The Cubs have tried not to rush Wood.
"I'll try to impress on Kerry that there's plenty of time," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Sunday. "The better foundation you can build, the better. These kids are all competitive and they want to compete and they want to pitch and they want to help the ballclub."
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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