Moyer's career could be in jeopardy
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Moyer's career could be in jeopardy
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
ST. LOUIS -- For 25 years, Jamie Moyer has defied all odds. He's soft-tossed his way into record books, pitching well beyond any expectations ever set.
At age 47, his incredible major-league career could be in serious jeopardy.
Moyer will go to the disabled list with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament and strained flexor pronator tendon in his left elbow. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. would only say Moyer will miss a significant amount of time.
Amaro disclosed that Moyer had been pitching with pain in his elbow recently. On Tuesday, Moyer was asked if the injury was suffered before his start and declined to answer.
"He had some discomfort in his elbow earlier," Amaro said. "It got to the point where it became a real issue for him."
The lefthander had an MRI Thursday that revealed the injuries. He will have more testing done to determine the severity of the injuries. Surgery could be needed to repair the ligaments and tendons.
If the sprain in Moyer's ulnar collateral ligament is severe enough, he would require Tommy John surgery. At age 47, it's not a stretch to consider Moyer declining the surgery and calling it quits.
But Moyer had two surgeries this past off-season and returned to full health before opening day to earn a spot in the Phillies' rotation. The difference then was the injuries weren't to his pitching elbow.
"He's going to be out quite some time," Amaro said.
ROTATION SET
If the Phillies are to make a trade for pitching, it likely will not happen before this weekend.
Kyle Kendrick and J.A. Happ will be recalled from the minors to make starts against Colorado on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Amaro, when asked if he has any trades in the works, declined to comment.
"I'm not going to get into that," he said.
Read more in Friday's Inquirer.
If Jamie is done, how much money does it free up for next year?Does anybody know?— penn state man- if this is the end of jamie's career, i would like to say thanks for all that you have done for this team. you were a crucial part of the 08' squad that won it all and was the first championship of my adult life. to be able to even be in the hof discussion is an accomplishment within itself. great career from a man with stuff that would have most guys out of the minor leagues after a few years working a job like the rest of us.— liljesc
- he isnt signed for next year so doesnt change anything.— liljesc
- Yes we know, but we wont say until you tell us when FatherPa is retiring.— mick314
The Phillies deserve to lose if Kendrick pitches. No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!— shawnmac- Good grief, penn state man. Like him or not, Moyer is a human being. Can't you offer at least A WORD of consolation or sympathy before asking about how much money is freed up?— bski
- I hope this isn't the end for Jamie Moyer. He is my favorite Phillie. He's a great guy and positive support for the Phillies pitching staff. Thanks for everything Jamie. You're the best.— rolenfan
- penn state man seems to exist in a netherworld where when someone gets injured they no longer get paid. And as liljesc points out, he also isn't aware that Jamie's in the last year of his existing deal...— Aloofbob
- Well, he went down like a soldier anyway, in the heat of battle. Good career, Jamie. Maybe someday you can return as pitching coach.— SteveS11
- Oh no. Poor Jamie Moyer. He has had an amazing career and I"m happy that he was able to spend a part of it with the Phillies. I'm definitely not going to write him off because if anyone could defy the odds on this diagnosis it's Mr. Jamie Moyer. Hope your arm feels better soon and thanks for all of your great work both on and off the field in Philadelphia!
- Kendrick and Happ this weekend? Does the good news ever end?— scootch
- Two best Phillies that I attended: 2007 NL East Clincher (on last day of season), Game 3 of the 2008 World Series. Jamie started both games. Phillies won both games. That's how I'll remember Jamie Moyer.— derFluge
- I hope this isn't it for Moyer. If it is, heck of a career! I hope they offer him a coaching position in the system, the guy's a major asset for the club.— Timmy
- maybe KK cant pitch every other day...rooob has failed and should be fired...they are nt going to make a move, they have given up as evidenced by KK being brought back, this guy is a little league pitcher at best...time to move was 6 weeks ago, but why do that when the morons fill the seats every single night by doing nothing,— tooltime
- I want to wish Jamie Moyer the best. It's sad to see Jamie battle the rash of injuries, the latest definitely the most troubling. He's been an absolute professional on and off the field for The Phils. I'm sure his knowledge and passion for the game helped many fellow pitchers and teammates over his 25 years in baseball. Jamie was the starting pitcher in '07 on that Sunday afternoon clincher at home vs. Washington. Thanks Jamie!— Seeing Red
