Daisuke Matsuzaka wins bizarre injury of the year for 2019
Oft injured pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka has suffered yet another injury, but his may be the most bizarre one yet.
Every year, there are those injuries that occur that just seem too bizarre to be real. Some of them take on a life of their own, like John Smoltz burning himself while wearing a shirt that he was wearing, or Glenallen Hill cutting himself on a glass table during a nightmare about spiders. Then, there is the injury that Daisuke Matsuzaka suffered during a fan event in Okinawa.
While Matsuzaka has dealt with his share of injuries over his career, this one is unique. He has been experiencing pain in his right shoulder, and inflammation in the arm, after a fan pulled on his arm in his excitement to meet the legendary hurler.
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After throwing a total of 21 innings between 2015 and 2017, Matsuzaka was somewhat healthy again last year. He appeared in 11 games, covering 55.1 innings, while showing flashes of the ace he used to be. Matsuzaka posted a 3.74 ERA and a 1.482 WHiP, striking out 51 batters while issuing 32 walks.
While the initial prognosis is somewhat positive, there are questions as to the severity of the injury that Matsuzaka suffered. He is getting a second opinion on Thursday, and will undergo further treatment. However, at 38 years of age, and with his history of arm trouble, one has to wonder how he will be able to return.
Obviously, the Chunichi Dragons would not be expecting Matsuzaka to lead the rotation at this stage of his career. Yet, he is still a veteran pitcher, one who remains a fan favorite in Japan. His presence not only helps the younger pitchers on the staff, but brings fans to the ballpark.
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Daisuke Matsuzaka has had his share of injuries over the years, but none have been quite as bizarre as the one he suffered due to an overzealous fan.