Broxton Shut Down
By Editorial Staff
The Los Angeles Dodgers have shut down closer Jonathan Broxton after the pitcher complained of elbow pain. The team has scheduled an MRI, noting a trip to the DL appears imminent.
Broxton pitched in Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs. Entering a tie game in the 9th, Broxton was only able to record one out while distributing two free passes. Broxton was removed and later charged with two runs as both walks scored.
The Dodgers have been suspicious that something has been wrong with Broxton, who has been very inconsistent this season. A red flag went up Tuesday night when Broxton was throwing at a reduced velocity, his fastball only reaching 90 mph.
The two-time All Star saw his dominance wane during the second half of the 2010 season. Though he’s been able to complete 7 of 8 save opportunities this season, he’s walked 9 in 12.2 innings and is sporting an ERA of 7.11.
Vicente Padilla has been tabbed as the team’s interim closer by Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. With Padilla unable to pitch on back to back days due to past injuries, relievers Kenley Jansen, Hong-Chih Kuo and Mike MacDougal may also be asked to finish games for Los Angeles.