Cliff Lee went down with an injury last night, and the Phillies are already making moves. Lee was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list. The diagnosis? A left flexor pronator strain.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports:
Following tonight's game, LHP Cliff Lee was placed on the 15-day DL with a left flexor pronator strain.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 1, 2014
This is not the ligament that people would have Tommy John surgery for. You can cross that off the list of possibilities, but Lee's timeline is uncertain. What the ailment requires, according to sportsandortho.com, is just what Lee had last time: rest:
Patients typically respond in a positive manner to activity modifications (mainly rest from the activity) and use of over the counter medications for the pain. They progress through a formal physical therapy program and work their way to a Return to Throw Program. In extreme cases, the elbow specialist may suggest injection therapy
Zolecki also says that Cesar Jimenez will replace Lee on the roster. While David Buchanan is the likely replacement in the starting rotation, the stressed bullpen could use an extra arm after pitching most of today's game.
Jimenez pitched two games for the Phillies so far in 2014, both against the Mets on June 1 and June 2. Jimenez gave up one hit the first outing, one walk the second, and was unscored upon. Jimenez was then outrighted off of the 40-man roster.
At AAA Lehigh Valley, Jimenez was pretty effective. In 38 appearances, Jimenez has maintained a low 1.45 ERA. Jimenez has struck out 46 and held batters to a .193 batting average over 49 2/3 innings.
Jimenez could stay after the Phillies add Buchanan. Phillippe Aumont has been less than inspiring in his recent outings. In fact, even with a generous lead on Thursday night, Phillies Manager Ryne Sandberg opted to bring his closer into the game with a six run lead rather than going for their only other option in Aumont.
