Neftali Feliz is pitching injured
By: Andreasoxfan
It is time to become somewhat concerned about the health of Neftali Feliz. The back-to-back blown saves may frustrate fantasy owners, but could happen to even the most reliable closer.
Feliz was sent to the 15-day DL a little less than a month ago after it took him 31 pitches to get out of the ninth inning. Although he didn’t allow a hit or a run, he showed a lack of command by walking three batters.
Two days later, he was diagnosed with an inflamed rotator cuff and sent to the DL. Sometimes rest is the answer, sometimes it is not.
In 5.3 innings since returning from the DL, Feliz has only allowed one earned run but has walked seven while only striking out two.
He was unavailable on May 14th, because his shoulder felt a little “cranky” from the 18 pitches he threw the night before.
Prior to those 18 pitches, Feliz had two full days rest.
He faced three batters for 19 pitches to get the save on May 15th. 10 were in the strike zone, 9 were not. His velocity was down.
It is surprising that after 26 pitches, 2 walks, and a blown save on Wednesday, he took the mound again on Thursday. Feliz threw 32 pitches, all 32 of them were four-seam fastballs.
Feliz typically throws his fastball between 70-80 percent of the time. The fact that he did not even attempt to throw any off-speed pitches on Thursday night is not a good sign.
I predict a season-ending shoulder injury for Feliz.
Vance Worley (SP-PHI) should be called up to take Joe Blanton’s spot in the rotation when the Phillies put Blanton on the 15-day disabled list because of “soreness in his elbow.” If all goes well, Worley will be sent back down after only one start, but I would bet money that Blanton will need surgery.
Blanton was sent to the 15 day DL on April 28th, and diagnosed with a medial impingement in his right elbow on April 29th.
“Elbow impingements sometimes require surgery but are usually cured by rest and non-operative treatment. An impingement occurs when a thin layer of membrane that lines the elbow becomes caught in the elbow joint.”
At that point, an MRI showed no ligament damage. At this point, don’t be surprised if Blanton is done for the season.
Worley should then secure a spot in the Phillies rotation. He has pitched 16 innings in the majors with a 1.13 ERA and a .938 WHIP. Be cautious with Worley, he has a tendency to walk too many batters
Alex White (SP-CLE) First round draft pick in 2009, White is Cleveland’s number one pitching prospect. In his first four starts this season in Triple-A Columbus, White maintained a 1.9 ERA with 28 K’s while only walking five in 23 2/3 innings.
Friday will be his third start for the Indians. He has been pretty solid in his first 12 innings, posting a 3.75 ERA with 10 strikeouts. He allowed 13 hits, five earned runs six walks.
J.P. Howell (RP-TB) Manager Joe Maddon has made it pretty clear that he will not hesitate to use Howell in save situations once he returns Friday from the DL.
Kyle Farnsworth has recorded the only saves for Tampa this year. He has earned nine saves in 15.3 innings while striking out nine and only walking one. However, Joe Maddon still refuses to name him the closer.
Howell has more closer experience and, if healthy, could be a nice fantasy pick-up for holds or saves.
Felix Pie (OF-BAL) With Brian Roberts and Derrick Lee both sent to the DL, and Luke Scott on the verge of a DL stint, the Orioles are almost forced to give Pie regular at bats in the OF. Pie is still a young player, who has not played well enough so far to earn a starting role in Baltimore. With regular play time, we may be pleasantly surprised with his performance. He has some speed and some power.