The back-and-forth on Kelvim Escobar’s shoulder soldiers on.
First, he was fine. Then, he couldn’t grip a baseball. After that, he could throw just fine with Johan Santana. Now, he’s taking it slow and might start the season on the DL. At least, according to Jerry Manuel.
Also, since he’s in camp but still not able to throw, he’s well behind in the race for the set-up man. The likely leading candidate is Ryota Igarashi.
Update – 10:30 a.m.: Multiple reports filing in from Twitter that all have Escobar throwing a baseball just fine.
So, for now, he seems to be healthy.
---
Update – 12:23 p.m.: Here’s a tweet from Adam Rubin: “@TheRopolitans Johan Santana played catch with him all week and said Escobar having trouble gripping a baseball would be untrue.”
Update – 11:59 a.m.: I sent out a tweet to all the beat writers down in Port St. Lucie to see if they can check in on Escobar. Still waiting for a response.
Update – 11:54 a.m.: Calcaterra called the Mets. Unsurprisingly, they have “no comment.”
Original post: Craig Calcaterra of Hardball Talk just tweeted this: “Just heard that Kelvim Escobar may be in worse shape than reported yesterday. Can't pick up a ball; could be seriously injured.”
Yesterday, we had heard that Escobar’s shoulder was “sore.” Now he can’t even pick up a baseball?
Something is fishy here.
Did the Mets work him out? Let him pitch for someone, anyone from the organization? Is there any way they could have gotten away with the “no physical” route, a la J.J. Putz?
All I can do is shake my head.
Yesterday Hardball Talk reported that Kelvim Escobar couldn’t pick up a baseball. He wasn’t far off.
Escobar can pick up a baseball, but is choosing not to until he is cleared by doctors.
Escobar has arrived in camp and has told reporters that he isn’t allowed to pick up a baseball, which makes Johan Santana’s statement a little strange.
He does believe he’ll be ready for opening day.
And let the injuries begin!
Brian Costa of NJ.com is reporting that the Mets plan to “move slowly” with Kelvim Escobar due to his sore shoulder.
Escobar had surgery on his right shoulder and has pitched in only one major league since.
And so signals the beginning of joke cracking and rehashing last season’s injuries from everyone and their mother.
Update – 12 a.m.: Brian Costa tweets that it is a one-year, major-league deal.
A good low-risk, possibly-high-reward signing for the Mets.
Update – 8:11 p.m.: Hubbuch has edited the post. It now only says that Escobar was offered a deal, not that he signed one.
Original Post: According to Bart Hubbuch, Kelvim Escobar has signed a minor-league contract with the Mets.
Escobar missed all of 2008 and nearly all of ‘09 with shoulder injuries. His last full season came in 2007 with the Angels. He went posted a 3.40 ERA and 1.267 WHIP. He struck out 160 and walked 66 in 195 2-3 innings. He surrendered 11 home runs.
Escobar will likely work out of the bullpen due to his injuries.
As a bullpen arm, Escobar could be a good low-risk, high-reward player, something the Mets will probably see a lot of in spring training.
