Roy Oswalt leaves Philadelphia Phillies after tornadoes strike his hometown – MLB News
Roy Oswalt’s last performance was definitely one of his worst to date, as he gave up a staggering five runs in the duration of only three innings which he pitched against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This is the highest number of runs he allowed any one since
he started playing with the Phillies.
In his previous four starts, he gave up a mere five runs throughout the duration of 24 innings since the season began. So definitely this is alarming, but now that reports of his family being possibly affected by the tornadoes that are raging near his hometown,
Mississippi, it all makes sense.
Before he went up against the Diamondbacks he was seen lying on his back in the dugout at Chase Field, as he was talking on his cell phone constantly and seemed to be occupied. This is unusual behavior for a starter on the day that he is supposed to pitch.
Even during the match Oswalt was seen talking on the phone time and again, which definitely meant that something was up given that the players aren’t allowed cellular devices during the game.
Knowing that severe storms may have destroyed or threatened his home in Mississippi where his wife and daughter are living definitely played a factor in the lack of speed in his pitching as he took the mount. His usual crispness and sharpness was visibly
reduced as well. He was called back from the mound as he started giving up an alarming amount of runs, as he proceeded to leave the stadium
On Wednesday morning it was announced the Oswalt had left the Phillies for an unknown amount of time so he could be with his family and friends during their time of need. "He has chosen to take time to make sure there wasn't significant damage to his home,
but more importantly, to make certain that his wife and children are OK," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement.
The fact that almost exactly a year ago his childhood home in Weir, Mississippi was torn apart due to the same kind of storms from which his mother barely survived must have heightened Oswalt’s fears and paranoia. His mother had to hide in a closet with
her pet dog to avoid being swept away in the twister. Unfortunately his home was reduced to mere shambles.
Initially everyone had assumed that Oswalt had left due to back aches that he has suffers from but those reports were immediately shot down. "He's fine," Amaro said. "He just didn't have his good stuff (Tuesday). Unfortunately, that happens."
Oswalt is scheduled to return to the Phillies line-up after taking care of his important family concerns regarding the devastating tornadoes in Mississippi.
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