A hyperextended elbow has sent Reds shortstop Zack Cozart to the 15 day disabled list. In a corresponding roster move Cincinnati has recalled shortstop Paul Janish.
Cozart injured the elbow during Saturday’s contest against the Braves. Nate McLouth walked to start the 4th inning, and pitcher Derek Lowe attempted to sacrifice him over. The bunt was punched to first baseman Joey Votto, who tried to get McLouth at second. His throw took Cozart into the runner’s slide and the 25 year old dropped in pain immediately.
He was removed from the game and was taken to the hospital for X-rays which came back negative, but an MRI showed the hyperextension.
“I tried to get around him to catch the ball,” Cozart recalled. “I knew the ball was sinking on the other side of him, but I didn’t have time to do it. Right when I went down to get it, he’s sliding in and I think I hit him in the chest or upper leg. I was already extended perfect and when I got it, it went the wrong way. It didn’t look that good and didn’t feel good. Hopefully it won’t take too long.”
Cozart, who was just called up from the minors in early July, had been impressive in his first 11 games with the Reds. Over that span the shortstop went 12 of 37 with a pair of home runs.
He is hoping to not miss much time due to the injury, which is so frustrating because he seemed to be transitioning to the majors so well. Cozart says that he’ll give the arm some time off to heal and then hopefully begin strengthening drills later in the week.
Edgar Renteria replaced Cozart at short Saturday and started Sunday’s game as well. The veteran is likely to see a majority of action as the Reds primary shortstop in Cozart’s absence. On the year Renteria’s posted an OPS of .590 with 6 extra base hits and 17 RBI’s in 158 at bats for Cincinnati.
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