Chicago Cubs Matt Garza optimistic about pitching this season – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs’ starter Matt Garza may have witnessed quite unlikely of situations lately, from the team’s veterans being traded to his own injury that may potentially lead to his inability to pitch this season. However, he still hopes he will recuperate
and regain fitness to pitch before the end of the season.
Matt Garza was shut down indefinitely by the team after it was revealed that he had a stress reaction in the back of his right elbow. The news of such a serious issue in his right elbow, and the subsequent shutting down of the player, was not only shocking
for him, but also for the team.
Despite the odds and the uncertainty that Garza is faced with now, the Cubs’ starter is optimistic that he will have a chance to pitch this season. "I'm hoping," Garza said. "That's why I'm working my tail off. Doing everything I can."
It was only at the beginning of this month that the announcement of his return on the mound was made after Garza had been taken out of the lineup on July 21. But everything changed prior to his 7th August start when the news of stress reaction
in the back of his right elbow was broken.
Garza shed some light on this aspect while talking about the developments since 21st July.
"I was throwing through this thing. I thought it was just another slow bump, I'd be fine and keep going," Garza said. "But the doctor said that we've got to shut it down, and you've got to listen to the doc."
All said, Garza also seemed disappointed with whatever transpired when he was least expecting it. Nonetheless, the final decision to shut him down was for the starter’s own good, and the team as a whole.
The 28-year old pitcher is one of the few veterans left in the team after the departure of Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm. The pitcher knows the responsibilities he carries on his shoulder as the team’s senior member.
There is no surprise, then, that he wants to make a comeback sooner than later as the season is nearing end.
"Yeah, I get to work out and ride a bike and watch a ballgame, but it's still not what I like doing. I like being out there taking control of the game and being able to do what I get paid to do."
In his 18 starts that he made since the start of this season, Garza had 5-7 record with 3.91 ERA, pitching a total of 103.2 innings and having 96 strikeouts. It remains to be seen now if he will be able to get to the mound this season after the diagnosis
of his injury.
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