Pirates Reliever Out Again
By Editorial Staff
The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed All-Star reliever Evan Meek back on the team’s 15 day disabled list. Meek is sidelined with the same injury that sent him to the DL earlier this year, shoulder tendinitis.
Meek returned to the club May 24th after missing a month of action. He’s pitched in 6 games since his return, allowing 2 earned runs in 6.1 innings of work.
The reliever shared his thoughts with reporters after the move became official.
"“It’s a frustrating feeling because I’m finally throwing with no pain,” Meek said Friday. “That’s a huge indicator that I’m OK, ready to go. Unfortunately, warming up and even going out there in the game, looking at the radar gun, I’m putting effort into it, it’s just not coming out. Obviously, there’s still something wrong.”"
A drop in velocity is never a good sign for a pitcher. Even though he doesn’t think the injury will require surgery, Meek is seeking a second opinion from surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Meek was a solid contributor out of the Pirates pen last season. The 28 year old logged 80 innings at an ERA of 2.14, becoming Pittsburgh’s representative in the 2010 All-Star game.
2011 has not brought the same success as last season. The right hander has struggled, only maintaining an ERA of 4.40 over 14.1 innings.
Meek has been replaced on the team’s roster by Triple-A reliever Tim Wood. The 28 year old made his first appearance as a Pirate last night against the Mets, walking one in a scoreless inning. Wood signed with the Pirates in April after being released by the Washington Nationals.