JF: Drabek felt “popping sensation” in elbow but had full strength later in clubhouse. More tests later today.
— John Lott (@LottOnBaseball) June 13, 2012
Well that is certainly a relief, even more question marks? Amidst the Nats battering Kyle Drabek around the yard for the better part of 4+ innings, the Jays young right hander (who now has walked 47 and struck out 47 batters on the year) stomped off the mound during a fifth-inning at bat against Mike Morse.
Trainer George Poulis and manager John Farrell rushed to the mound to examine Drabek, with Farrell placing a fatherly (presidential?) hand on Drabek’s right shoulder. After the game, the assembled press horde learned of a “popping” sound in Drabek’s right elbow. Yikes. Tests are scheduled for later in the day.
Though Drabek claimed to not be in pain/felt different pain than prior to his Tommy John procedure in 2007, the only thing more worrisome than Drabek’s health is his actual performance. As stated above, he got roughed up by Washington in a big way, feeling the full power of their Natitude.
Nine of the 21 hitters he faced reached base, with one home run and a series of loud line drives punctuating the screams of the approximately ninety-thousand school children in attendance today. Fooling nobody, a wise man tweeted.
If he’s hurt, it might serve to only prolong the inevitable. Though he looked like a candidate for right-arm shittiness diagnosis, what good is giving him time to think about what he’s done? Similarly, sending him to Vegas or to the pen accomplishes little at this point. Is giving Kyle Drabek all the rope he needs to prove he either can or cannot hack it a bad thing?
Some will suggest he’s already proven that he, in fact, cannot hack anything. Too many walks and too many line drives to compete as a big leaguer. The stuff is nice but when has he missed bats or posted noteworthy results above the high-A level?
As we await the results from whatever tests, it is safe to say that whatever “fixed” Kyle Drabek early in the season has been undone. Since his great start against the Rangers on April 30th, Drabek hasn’t walked fewer than three batters in a start, recording more Ks than walks only twice in seven starts (and they were both 5K/4BB outings.) Might a career in middle relief be in the offing? Wade Davis wants to have a chat, Kyle.
