According to a report on ComcastSportsNet, the Phillies may be losing pitcher Randy Wolf for the season.
An MRI and ultrasound taken Monday on Wolf’s left elbow revealed an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament. Because he has injured the same ligament two previous times in the past year, it was recommended that he undergo ligament transplant – or Tommy John surgery.
Wolf will receive a second opinion on Wednesday and visit a third doctor later in the week.
Wolf has been the most consistent pitcher for the Phillies over the past month and a half. After a 1-3 record and 6.52 ERA in April, Wolf has gone 6-1 with a 3.35 ERA since.
Beerleaguer take
Entering the season, there were concerns Wolf's elbow wouldn't hold up through the season, and now those fears appear to be coming true.
The Phillies could find themselves without a lefthander in the rotation for the remainder of this season and possibly all of next, with a lot of immediate weight now on the shoulders of 23-year-old Robinson Tejeda, scheduled to pitch in his place on Friday.
What does this do for their future with Wolf? I suggested in my post about this that the Phils take a long hard look at Barry Zito for the simple fact that they need a solid lefty, and Zito can (though hasn't of late) be that. But aren't there precedents for a guy coming back from Tommy John stronger than ever?
Posted by: Jeff | Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 04:20 PM
Tommy John means the Phils will be without the services of Wolf this season and next. Zito has a reputation as damaged goods, but the Phils can't be too picky and he's actually not that bad.
Baseball Prospectus calls Tommy John just another step in a pitcher's progression, so when Wolf comes back, he'll be fine, possibly better.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 04:31 PM
That's really too bad about Wolf. I'm not one to get too upset about the whole "lack of a lefty" thing, as it only is an issue one day out of 5 anyway. But Qolf looked like he had figured things out.
One wonders if the soreness in his elbow had actually helped his pitching, with less trying to overpower the ball, and relying more on placement.
Posted by: pawnking | Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 05:06 PM
I fear the likelihood the Phillies will trade Ryan Howard for some starting pitching has just dramatically increased. They must resist.
Posted by: Tom Goodman | Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 06:01 PM
As I commented on Balls, Sticks & Stuff, Barry Zito, availability notwithstanding, is in the midst of his second straight mediocre year. Why would we give up someone with the bright future of a Ryan Howard to rent a pitcher of diminishing talents?
Posted by: Tom Goodman | Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 08:57 AM