This one is a no-brainer for Tampa, or at least it should be. Matt Garza, the prize pitcher received in the Delmon Young trade, had right arm pain during tonight’s start. The injury is being described as an irritation of the radial nerve.
The radial nerve supplies sensory and motor information to the back of the hand, forearm, and triceps. Most commonly, the radial nerve becomes irritated as it passes through the forearm or lateral elbow, most notably in the area of the supinator muscle. This muscle turns the palm upwards, such as when a power curve is thrown. The nerve may also get irritated as it passes by the bony structures on the outside of the elbow.
Unfortunately, when nerves become irritated, the main thing that helps is rest.
A trip to the DL is a near-certainty. Start making alternative plans. Jeff Niemann could be called up to join the rotation.
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Or J.P. Howell, a guy I really like who I’ve been waiting for a spot to open up for. I never like to see someone get injured, but this could be a nice opportunity for Howell or Niemann.
i have garza in a 10-team mixed. is this something that is going to haunt him all season? is he worth holding on to?
great blog, by the way.
In a 10-team league, you could probably find comparable pitchers who have less injury risk.
Nerve irritations can be tricky, because unless the cause of the irritation is addressed, it will likely return. Who knows what the cause is?
It is likely something that he will deal with from time to time but eventually sort out with therapy and a look at his mechanics.
For now, I would a) DL him; or b) drop and add another SP.
According to a Rotoworld blurb, referring to Garza’s Radial Nerve irritation:
Apr 9 - …Garza said it’s a problem that’s bothered him from time to time.
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