Mets starting pitcher Seth Lugo has been placed on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to August 11th with a shoulder impingement. That’s not the big issue, however.
The big issue is that Lugo’s partially torn UCL, which he chose to rehab instead of undergoing Tommy John surgery, is likely the root of this new injury per Marc Carig of Newsday.
“I know that if it’s not the elbow, that it always concerns me that you’re changing your delivery to compensate because you’ve got a bad elbow and all of a sudden it’s your shoulder,” said Terry Collins. “I know one thing: I don’t like to hear shoulder problems. Those scare you more than anything.”
Carig also reports that a source said that while Lugo had been pitching without pain since his return from the disabled list, he hasn’t been able to generate his typical arm speed. Because of that, his famous spin rate is diminished and his velocity is down.
“For me, when I was younger in years past, I could reach back and try to overthrow one and blow it by somebody,” Lugo said. “But with the elbow, I’m more just trying to play it smart, just execute the pitch and not try to overdo it. I think it’s not so much a physical reason that the velocity is down. I think it’s just me being conscious and being smart and taking care of the elbow.”
There is currently no timetable for Lugo’s return, as of now the prescription is rest.
Lugo is 5-3 on the season with a 4.85 ERA, 4.47 FIP, 1.413 WHIP and 6.8 K/9.
