The unusual absence of our star closer had me concerned during the game. They spanned the bullpen with the cameras during the 9th inning as JJ Putz was on the mound, and Frankie was no where to be found.
After the win, we waited for Jerry Manuel’s press conference because we knew someone would ask him where K-Rod was and why he didn’t come out to pitch.
Manuel informed us K-Rod had back spasms during batting practice, that were so bad that he wasn’t able to walk and was in extreme pain. Manuel said he didn’t even know where K-Rod was at this time.
After the game, Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post posted some updates on Twitter. He said that K-Rod had collapsed in front of the clubhouse and that he required medical attention. Minutes later he tweeted that EMS was en route and that K-Rod was crying from the pain.
Here is his blog post from NYPost.com:
BOSTON — There was a wild scene outside the Mets’ clubhouse after tonight’s 3-2 win over the Red Sox when closer Frankie Rodriguez collapsed from back spasms and required medical attention.
Rodriguez suffered the back spasms — the first of his career, he said — while running in pregame warmups and was unavailable to pitch the ninth inning.
The Mets gave K-Rod muscle relaxers, but he collapsed shortly after trying to leave the clubhouse on his power. Rodriguez started weeping from the pain after being helped into a golf cart, and a stretcher and EMTs were called to the scene.
Team officials then closed the gate in front of Rodriguez, preventing reporters for further observing the scene.
If you’ve never experienced a back spasm, you can’t even begin to imagine the intense pain.
Let’s all send prayers and well wishes for Frankie Rodriguez. Even more important than a game, is his well-being. We wish you a speedy recovery and hope you return to your amazing and dominating self as soon as possible.
