Early reports say their is no structural damage and he will just be shutdown for the time being. However, if Hanrahan is still feeling discomfort in the next two to three weeks, then it's the three words no pitcher ever wants to hear- Dr. James Andrews.
Even if Hanrahan can pitch through the pain, he should be considered doubtful to open the season with the Bucs. Hanrahan was the Bucs most effective reliever after being acquired from the Nats in the Nyjer Morgan deal. Opposing hitters batted only .160 off Hanrahan in August and September. During that span he had a 0.42 ERA.
I liked the back end of the pen, with Hanrahan and Evan Meek setting up Octavio Dotel. I expect Brenden Donelley to move into Hanrahan's role and DJ Carrasco to get a bigger workload as well.
Since he will likely begin the season on the DL, there is one more job availbale. I don't expect NH to attempt to sign anyone else, he will just go with the guys he has. While not big names, the Pirates do have a little depth in the bullpen this season.
I like hanrahan, but this is no big deal. i mean how much difference is a set up guy really going to make on a bad team?
ReplyDeletei diagree bigtime. yes we will be bad, but home many games that were winning have we blown the last 3 yrs because we didnt have an 8th or 9th inning guy?
ReplyDeleteHaving a good bullpen is big for a young team that doesn't score many runs. Like it or not, hanrahan is a big part of that. i actually preferred to see him as the closer
hopefully he won't need tommy john. i also like his stuff
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