Mar
22
2011

Isringhausen Throwing Again, Could Pitch In Friday’s Game

An article by Craig Lerner

Mets pitcher Jason Isringhausen is making coaches notice his potential as a setup reliever.

Updated 3/22 11:30 AM

According to some of the beat writers, Jason Isringhausen played catch this morning including throwing about 8-9 curveballs without any problems.

He is expected to pitch another bullpen tomorrow, get a day off, and then pitch in real games again.

Original Post 3/12 11:00 AM

Yesterday, the Daily News reported that reliever Jason Isringhausen felt a pop in his shoulder, but felt everything was fine.

“We think it’s just scar tissue,” said the relieved reliever. “I saw the doctor, and he said that everything is fine.”

Today it was learned that Isringhausen received treatment and took medication to reduce inflammation in his right elbow according to Sandy Alderson who spoke with reporters today at Mets camp.

He is expected to rest and will not pitch for a couple of days, but may attempt to long toss tomorrow.

Alderson made it very clear that the situation bears monitoring and could affect whether or not Isringhausen makes the roster, as he is unwilling to pass over an otherwise healthy pitcher who might get exposed to waivers and lost to another team, a reference to Manny Acosta and Pat Misch.

It does shed light on what many of us had suggested that Acosta and Misch may be left off the roster and waived to make room for recent signings.

About the Author: Craig Lerner

I'm a data analyst and researcher for a leading news agency who loves life and is hooked on the Mets. I love following the Amateur Draft and have a particular fondness for the Mets Minor Leagues who I follow each day. Give me a cold beer, a summer day, and a Mets game, and I'm good to go.

6 Comments + Add Comment

Mr North Jersey March 21, 2011 at 12:03 pm

Don’t know if you knew this at the time of this post but Rubin reported that Izzy who was adament that he would not go to minors has now softened on that stance.

“If it happens, it happens, and we’ll talk about it then,” Izzy said. “As of right now I’m looking at being ready to go at the end of camp. That’s my mindset right now. But everybody knows everything can change. You don’t try to take one step forward to take three steps backward.”

http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/17345/izzy-unalarmed
- stick March 21, 2011 at 12:18 pm
  
  interesting. My guess? He never expected to come close to making an opening day roster, and that he just wanted to try one last time to make 100% sure that he was shot (so, no regrets on officially retiring).
  
  But, now that he has actually looked OK, he probably figures that he might be able to pitch in the majors after all.
  
  So, if he realizes he just needs a little more time to get fully ready, might as well go to AAA for a month to do that, and try to earn his way back up. If it happens, great. If not, then he can walk away.
  
  would another team pick him up at the end of ST? Who knows. Probably not, if he isn’t good enough for the Mets to keep. And if that is the case, you are right back to the “what if’s in the player’s mind.
kevin March 21, 2011 at 12:24 pm

I hope he’s okay, I was really pulling for him to make this team and go out a Met.
86mets March 22, 2011 at 12:22 pm

I hope he is willing to go to AAA for a month or so, to pitch in meaningful games, to make sure his elbow can endure the routine again after sitting all of 2010 & most of ’09 following TJ surgery. Yes, it’s a made-for-Hollywood script where the prodigal son returns home after many years away. But it’s moving awful quickly IMO given the fact that he’s 38 yr old and hasn’t pitched in a year and a half or more. I think many are putting the cart ahead of the horse in saying he should make the opening day roster, not only that but be annointed the set up man for K-Rod on top of all that. First, he needs to prove he’s still able to withstand the daily grind against at least AAA competition before any of the other happens. With any luck he goes to Buffalo, pitches pain free and well and earns a promotion when / if someone with the Mets falters or gets injured.
Metstheory22 March 22, 2011 at 1:24 pm

I would love to see Izzy contribute this year for us. He might be able to teach Bobby Parnell a thing or two also about closing. If I was Parnell, I would be treating him to dinner most nights.
srt March 22, 2011 at 7:03 pm

Don’t know if Izzy’s health will be a factor in him making the squad. The one thing though that impresses me watching him out there is he knows how to pitch. He’s got a game plan for each batter, each situation and uses the arsenal he’s got to try and beat the batter. That alone counts for something. He’s not some kid or inexperienced pitcher who, when he gets in trouble, just throws harder or starts changing up his stuff rather than trusting it.

If he does make the roster even if we have him for a few months or half a season (considering injury is always a concern with him), I consider that a plus.

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