Nats Gorzelanny Out with Elbow Inflammation
By Editorial Staff
Tom Gorzelanny of the Washington Nationals was placed on the 15 day disabled list due to elbow inflammation.
Gorzelanny started Monday’s game against the Brewers, but noticed something was wrong with his arm Wednesday while playing catch. The lefty compared the discomfort to having shin splints in his arm.
The former 2nd round pick said he focuses more on what his body is telling him now, no longer ignoring its signs. Gorzelanny attempted to pitch through pain in 2008 and only succeeded in having a career worst year.
"“I kind of hid it and said, ‘I’m fine. I’ll throw,'” Gorzelanny said. “I paid for it for a couple years – physically that year, mentally the next couple years. I had to get all the way back to this point, and it came about again. I’m a little bit smarter now, more of an adult now. I just want to take care of it.”"
Gorzelanny has logged 53 innings at a 4.25 ERA for the Nationals while leading the team with 8.15 K/9.
It is believed Washington will call up Yuniesky Maya to take the mound Sunday. A starter for the Nationals AAA affiliate, Maya has managed a 3.79 ERA over 9 starts.
Maya will be only the 6th pitcher to start a game for the Nationals this year. The opening day rotation had remained intact before the team placed Gorzelanny on the DL.
Meanwhile, Collin Balester has taken Gorzelanny’s roster spot in order to add another arm to Washington’s pen.