Los Angeles Dodgers to determine extent of damage sustained by Jon Garland
If there have been notable players to sustain considerable damage in their Spring Training schedule, Jon Garland is one of them to walk out with a major injury. The veteran pitcher is in the waiting room looking for a result on his MRI scan on his strained
oblique muscle. The maestro, who is proficient in eating away innings against big teams, is facing the possibility of losing a month or more due to his injury.
"They don't tend to be short term," said manager Don Mattingly. "It's not a two-week thing for sure if it's that [oblique]."
Garland called it quits from his tenure on the mound against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday when he crossed out two hitters from the plate in his second inning. His discomfort took attention after he delivered a pitch to Josh Wilson. It was trainer, Stan
Conte, who later appeared on the field to assist Garland off the mound.
The strain was indicated on the left side by Garland. The pinch was felt for the first time after the pitch to Wilson. Oblique tears are something Garland is not too familiar with, and if his condition is not as good as expected, a month’s lay off could
be prolonged.
"It went," Garland said. "It felt like it was cramping up. It happened as I was pulling through and everything was coming together."
Garland was acquired by the Dodgers after the 2010 season. The veteran pitcher was expected to deliver consistency to the club’s games, but with his ouster from the squad, there is a lot to be desired. The player has been highly praised for his consistency
and ability to eat away innings.
With the San Diego Padres, last year, Garland won 14 games and lost 12 in his stint. His absence means either John Ely or Tim Redding might join the rotation. Their spring training stints have gone well so far.
"They've been throwing the ball good, both guys," said Mattingly. "We talked about not needing a fifth guy until the 10th or 11th of April with the off-days. We'll see. We'll get a timetable when the see if it's mild or more."
Tags: