Elbow injury sidelines Madson for season

[cruzg24]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Before he ever got to pitch in a game for the Reds, the season is already over for new closer Ryan Madson.

Following an examination in Cincinnati Saturday morning, the club said that Madson's elbow ligament had torn off of the bone. He will need season-ending Tommy John surgery.

"He obviously feels terrible about it," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "He felt fine all spring until lately. Even after he sat out a little bit, he felt real good. After his last session the other day, it got real tight. Even before he left yesterday, he said he felt fine. Obviously, he wasn't."

Madson had not pitched in any Cactus League games because of what was originally diagnosed as right elbow irritation in late February. The injury, which he said was something he had dealt with in past springs with the Phillies, was not considered serious.

In recent weeks, the news had been positive about Madson's progress. He pitched in a few side bullpen sessions with gradually increased pitch counts. On Tuesday, he threw 20 pitches in a simulated game.

"Dr. Kremchek said from the way he was bleeding and stuff, it was a recent tear," Jocketty said.

Considered one of the club's prized off-season acquisitions in its efforts to reach the playoffs in 2012, Madson came to the Reds at a relative bargain with a one-year, $8.5 million contract. He was to be paid $6 million this season and he had an $11 million mutual option for 2013 that carried a $2.5 million buyout.

The Reds did not take out insurance on the contract because it is club policy for one-year contracts.

"You feel terrible for him because he feels terrible," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "It makes you sick to your stomach, actually.

Source: mlb.com

 

[Mexi]

that's awful news
Sean Marshall will be a good closer though

 

[snipezo]

They're lucky they only signed him to a one year deal.

 

[Elite]

Was picking Cincy to win the division, I'm a Madson believer, shame for them. They signed him at a bargain and now they wont even get to use him.