The Phillies have gotten a disappointing performance in 2017 from once-closer Jeanmar Gomez. After being the team's surprise closer in 2016 and saving 37 games, Gomez has struggled to a 2-1 record with a 7.94 earned run average and a blown save. Could his struggles have been due to an injury?
The Phillies placed Gomez on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday afternoon with what they are calling a "right elbow impingement". Physioadvior.com says that the injury "is a condition characterized by compression and damage to soft tissue (such as cartilage) situated at the back of, or within the elbow joint." The condition is caused by extra stress on the elbow.
The only real cure seems to be rest. As of Tuesday afternoon, no timetable had been indicated for Gomez's disabled list stay. The Phillies also had yet to indicate how long Gomez had been experiencing discomfort.
Utility player Ty Kelly will replace Gomez on the 25-man roster. The Phillies already had swapped Kelly for an extra reliever late last week. The move means Jake Thompson stays for now, but Luis Garcia is eligible to return. Replacing an injured Gomez with Kelly allows the club to bring Kelly up sooner than the 10-day waiting period. In a separate translation, the Phillies could bring Garcia back and let Thompson return to Triple-A to start.
