FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — The fireballer has flamed out once again, and this time it may be for good.
Minnesota Twins reliever Joel Zumaya was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right elbow on Sunday, meaning his latest comeback bid has ended almost before it began.
Zumaya had signed an incentive-laden, one-year deal with the Twins, who hoped he could bolster their bullpen with his 100 mph heat. General manager Terry Ryan knew Zumaya’s long injury history when he offered the contract, but the possibility of getting the overpowering arm that electrified the Tigers in 2006 intrigued him.
“I took a risk. It was a high risk with high reward,” Ryan said after the MRI exam revealed the torn ulnar collateral ligament. “Unfortunately it didn’t work. And he feels bad. I feel bad.”
Zumaya lasted just 13 pitches in his first session of live batting practice Saturday before walking off the mound with pain in his elbow.
Ryan spoke with him on Sunday after they received the news, but said it was too early to talk about Zumaya’s plans for the future.
The 27- year- old could choose to have Tommy John surgery and start another exhaustive rehab program that could last a year or longer. Or he could choose to retire.
“He’s distraught, as you’d expect,” Ryan said of Zumaya, who was unavailable for comment.
“He’s going to come in here in the next day or so and we’re going to talk about the immediate future for him.”
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
