Ryan Madson to be checked out on Saturday
The Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker said on Friday, March 23, that the closer Ryan Madson is headed to Cincinnati now with the nature of his elbow injury unknown. There were expectations previously that Madson was in good enough shape to be put back
in the roster.
"Nothing yet," Reds manager Dusty Baker said when he was inquired about the condition of the closer. "He won't be analyzed until [Saturday]. He went back to Cincinnati. We won't know anything until [Saturday]."
This will understandably be a blow to the Reds who were keeping their fingers crossed for an early return of this accomplished closer. The club had made no secret of exultation they had after acquiring Madson.
He became the part of team early this year with a one-year $8.5 million deal. As he was readying himself for the Spring Training, there arose the problem and subsequent complaint of elbow irritation.
It was initially thought to be a minor injury, but with the passage of time it became ever unclear as to whether he would be able to close. The fact that he was to throw on Friday in the Minor League game is a distant reality now as he is headed to Cincinnati
for the check up.
In his absence then, the Reds have to rely on Sean Marshall who comes across as the apparently only adequate substitute. The left-handed closer seems to be willing and full of anticipation to discharge this role.
"I think all of us would love the opportunity to pitch in the ninth inning and help the team win the game," Marshall said. "I've done it a couple of times the last couple of years filling in for a guy that was either tired or hurt. I enjoy closing the game
out, especially in a win. I like contributing to a victory."
Although Sean Marshall can well be the closer for the team in the absence of Madson, the Reds will nonetheless hedge their bet on the latter’s return. It will therefore be interesting to see if Saturday’s check-out can bring about a good news for the Reds.
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