Garza out with ‘nerve irritation’

Posted Apr 8, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Apr 8, 2008 at 08:10 PM

Well, there goes the home opener. However this game turns out—and the Rays currently trail 3-1 in the third—Matt Garza’s health will be the focus.

The Rays’ starter just walked off the mound with trainer Ron Porterfield at his side and a grim expression on his face after issuing his unintentional second walk in three batters. Garza was all over the place toward the latter part of the inning, which is about to see its ninth batter with Scott Dohmann coming in to pitch.

Updating: The Rays said Garza left the game with a “radial nerve irritation.” The nerve runs from the upper to lower arm—think triceps. More information should be available after the game.

Considering the way the Rays handle any injuries to pitchers, let alone someone as valuable as Garza, you’ve got to start thinking about either Jae Kuk Ryu or Jeff Niemann right now.

(Speaking of Niemann, I see he’s got a no-hitter through four in Columbus tonight. More importantly, he’s starting on the same schedule as Garza. Not to get too far ahead of ourselves…just food for thought.)