Orioles: Koji update
Koji Uehara was examined by Orioles orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens and a report was made to manager Dave Trembley, who said that Koji's sore elbow has improved but it remains "highly doubtful" that Uehara will be able to make his scheduled start on Sunday. Based on that, it seems likely he will go on the disabled list and David Hernandez will be called up from Norfolk to take his slot in the rotation.
"There was improvement,'' Trembley said. "The inflammation is down, the swelling is down, the soreness is down. Both Dr. Wilckens and (head athletic trainer) Richie Bancells are going to talk to Andy MacPhail. I have not talked to Andy about what will happen."
Trembley indicated that Wilckens and Bancells will go to MacPhail and present some possible scenarios, one of which might be to have Uehara undergo an MRI to make sure there is no structural damage in his pitching elbow.
According to a member of the Japanese media, Koji did have a sore elbow in 2006 when he was with the Tokyo Giants, but missed only a couple of weeks after receiving a cortisone injection. Uehara, through his interpreter, said he would address the situation with the media after tonight's game.
Sun file photo by Kenneth Lam
> 
Comments
On the DL for "elbow fatigue"? If he can't start in Japan, he shouldn't be starting in the MLB. He was lights-out as a closer in 2007, and he's been struggling the third time through the lineup. Give Ray another couple opportunities while Koji's on the DL, and if he can't put it together, demote him when Koji comes back. Move him to the bullpen as part of his "rehabilitation" (but plan on just leaving him there, unless we see any big progress), and see what Hernandez can do for a while. Then, if things still aren't working out in August, give Tillman a chance.
Posted by: christian | June 26, 2009 6:56 PM
I'll join in the call to see Koji return as a middle/long reliever. There is no point to just burning the guy's arm in a role he's obviously not suited to. He can be a solid option in the bullpen, he'll never be that as a starter.
Posted by: Roy | June 26, 2009 10:37 PM
Pete,
Maybe the only solution is to start Koji once a week - the same day every week. The Orioles don't need him as a reliever and they can't trade him after these developments. I guess its a question of what's best for the ball club.
..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I asked Dave about that yesterday. He didn't seem too interested in having a six-man rotation.
Posted by: WBALFAN66 of Westminister | June 26, 2009 11:03 PM
Got to be worried about this. "Elbow fatigue" seems to be a cover for lack of stamina.
If he can't last as a starter, it's perfectly fine, just throw him in a role he's good at. Koji could easily be a strong reliever for 3 innings or less.
Unless an MRI says something else. I'd have to believe the O's are trying to hide something here.
Posted by: Chuck | June 27, 2009 7:28 AM
Let's start looking at next year's staff. Bring some of the kids up. The fans are going to expect an all-out effort to win next year. No more nurturing young arms when other clubs have fuzzy-faced kids beating our brains out!
...........................................................................................
Pete's reply: If you don't nurture young arms, you're going to be talking about another generation of Daniel Cabreras and Hayden Penns. Be patient.
Posted by: Ed Miller | June 27, 2009 8:09 AM
Hey pete how would you like to have that 10,000,00 to play holdem with. Andy would never in a million years admit they made a mistake signing him. You know if you can reap all the glory when things turn out right why can't you take some of the blame when you make a mistake.They were so gung ho trying to get established in the foreign markets that they really didn't do there home work on this guy.
.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: If I had $10 million, what would be the point of gambling? I'm not giving up on Koji quite yet. I believe it was important -- and maybe worth $10 million -- to upgrade the team's image on the Pacific Rim. Also, Koji has pitched pretty well when he's been able to pitch, so it may be a matter of finding the right role for him. Though $5 million is a lot of money for a bullpen guy, if he can make a contribution there in the second half, and you factor in the global considerations, he might still be a bargain.
Posted by: blancione | June 27, 2009 10:15 AM