Backe Leaves Start with Sprained Elbow

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

This could really be a blow to an already thin Astros rotation.

 

Link.

 

Brandon Backe exited his start against the Giants in the middle of the third inning with a sprained right elbow.

Backe appeared to be clutching his right forearm after working first baseman Lance Niekro to a 2-2 count in the second frame. After a lengthy mound conversation with manager Phil Garner and head athletic trainer Dave Labossiere, Backe remained in the game and retired the next two batters -- Pedro Feliz on an infield popup and Mike Matheny on a fielder's choice groundout.

 

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

This doesn't sound promising.

 

"I've never been hurt there before," Backe said. "I asked some guys who had Tommy John surgery if that's how it starts and they said it was similar. But only the doctor can tell me for sure. Bottom line is I didn't complete my job. Obviously something is wrong and we'll get it checked. Best case scenario is it's just a tweak, worst case is something serious."

 

Link

[ManEatingTarp]

They let him keep pitching! Are they crazy?

[ltb]

They let him keep pitching! Are they crazy?

 

haha, he's all they've got.

 

after backe, their rotation drops off to the local community college pitching staff, basically.

[ManEatingTarp]

They let him keep pitching! Are they crazy?

 

haha, he's all they've got.

 

after backe, their rotation drops off to the local community college pitching staff, basically.

 

Exactly. So instead of pulling him for precaution, they keep him in for two batters that may end his season.

That seems pretty desperate for April.

[ltb]

They let him keep pitching! Are they crazy?

 

haha, he's all they've got.

 

after backe, their rotation drops off to the local community college pitching staff, basically.

 

Exactly. So instead of pulling him for precaution, they keep him in for two batters that may end his season.

That seems pretty desperate for April.

 

yep - but you'd be desperate if you were houston, too ;)

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

It looks like Backe is out for at least six weeks, and he could be lost for the season.

 

Link.

 

 

Astros righthander Brandon Backe is expected to miss at least six weeks after an MRI performed today in Houston revealed a moderate sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

 

But this quote from Pupura is more telling.

 

"Really the best course of action right now for him to rest and rehab it with the hope that we can get him back on the mound and pitching sometime this season," said general manager Tim Purpura, who said there's a possibility Backe could be lost for the season.

 

"There's a chance. If we get through an extended period of rehab and he still has pain and all that, certainly there's a chance he could miss the season. That's the unknown right now. We'll see where we're at."

 

The Astros could be in trouble. They got off to a decent start, but were able to play their first six against Flordia and Washington which might be two of the worst teams in the NL.

 

The rotation is now Oswalt, Pettitte, Wandy Rodriquez, Taylor Bucholtz and Ezequiel Astacio. That back-end just doesn't inspire fear in anyone. I don't think the Astros offense is good enough to compensate for that rotation. Pettitte and Oswalt should be fine, but the Astros are going to struggle to stay at .500 unless Clemens rides in on the white horse to save them.

[SouthSideRyan]

The rotation is now Oswalt, Pettitte, Wandy Rodriquez, Taylor Bucholtz and Ezequiel Astacio. That back-end just doesn't inspire fear in anyone.

 

Insert standard Astacio is ugly joke.

[Outshined_One]

The rotation is now Oswalt, Pettitte, Wandy Rodriquez, Taylor Bucholtz and Ezequiel Astacio. That back-end just doesn't inspire fear in anyone.

 

Insert standard Astacio is ugly and Magic Wandy jokes.

 

Fixed.

[wolf stansson]

I wish injury on no one, but lets just say this news doesn't ruin my day.

[ltb]

I wish injury on no one, but lets just say this news doesn't ruin my day.

 

agreed

after the stuff oswalt and berkman have pulled, it doesn't pain me at all to see the astros take a hit.