"The Jays said that they plan to put both top starter Roy Halladay and closer Scott Downs on the disabled list Thursday. Toronto will then have seven pitchers on the major-league DL, including three-fifths of the planned rotation. Halladay, the major leagues' only 10-game winner, had already been scratched from his scheduled start in Philadelphia because of a groin strain. The Blue Jays had hoped he would be able to pitch Saturday, but those plans were scrapped after he tried to throw this afternoon. Halladay will be eligible to come off the DL on June 28, and the Jays hope he'll be able to return then. Downs, 8 for 9 in save situations since taking over as the Blue Jays closer, sprained his left great toe while running the bases in the 10th inning Tuesday night. Manager Cito Gaston said he'll likely try Jason Frasor as closer in Downs' absence (Sportsline).
Not good news for the Jays. Halladay's injury I do not see being serious and I think he will come off the DL right when he is supposed to. The Jays are really going to need him to be out there ASAP as he is an automatic win and the Jays rotation just can't afford to go on without him. Downs' injury I think could be a lot more serious. Toes are funny things and they can take a long time to deal. If he can't push off he is going to lose velocity and command on all his pitches. The only thing he can really do is rest it, and hope the pain goes away soon. Anyways, the Jays are really going to need guys like Frasor and young starters from their farm system to step up if they want to stay in the playoff picture.
No comments:
Post a Comment