Lee Likely to Miss Opening Day

Following a throwing session on Tuesday, Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee is likely to have his abdominal strain result in some time on the shelf. Lee stated that he still feels pain, but that his condition feels better than it did last week. He traveled to Seattle last week to be evaluated by team physicians.

Lee, the former Phillie, is expected to throw from flat ground on Thursday. His status be reevaluated on Friday.

It's a troubling situation for Lee, as he tries to build on a terrific 2009 season in which he excelled with the Phillies throughout the post season. An abdominal injury is the type of ailment that could effect Lee well after he is active on the Mariners roster. While the lingering effects of the abdominal strain may not be to the extent that Phillies phans saw last year, when Brad Lidge's health issues effected his performance for the entire season, it could certainly be the sort of setback that impacts Lee's April. Being unable to pitch and fine tune oneself can only delay a pitcher's preparation for the season.

Lee also suffered a foot injury over the off-season. A combination of nagging injuries should always be a cause for concern, so the Mariners will want to be sure not to push Lee before he is healed.

MLB suspended Lee for the first 5 games of the season for his actions in a game last week, when he threw two pitches at Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder. The pitches led to a bench clearing scuffle and Lee was ejected. Lee is currently appealing the suspension. It has been reported that Lee believes his abdominal injury occurred during a collision with Snyder in that game, which precipitated the pitches thrown his way. But suspension or not, Lee is quite likely to miss Seattle's opening day, as the disabled list could be in his near future.

------------------------------

Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE for stats, site updates and more.

Share on Facebook

Comments

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular ...

PhoulBallz Interview: First round pick Bryson Stott

Bryson Stott, image- Jay Floyd Shortstop Bryson Stott , the Phillies' first round draft selection this year, has enjoyed a successful initial pro campaign. En route to being recognized as an All-Star for the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters the 21-year-old UNLV product has tallied a .295 average with six home runs and 25 RBI in 45 minor league contests. Last week I spoke with the lefty hitting Stott to discuss his transition to professional baseball, joining the Phillies organization and plenty more. Read ahead for that interview. -Obviously, your performance and the production on the field is going well, but how do you feel you have adapted to the pro life? It feels good. You hear about the everyday grind, but you don't really believe it till you feel it. I would say that's the difference between college and the pros, is you're not practicing, you're playing games every day. I would say that's the biggest difference. But I...

PhoulBallz Interview: Lakewood hitting coach Nelson Prada

Nelson Prada, image- Jay Floyd Last week, I sat down to chat with the hitting coach for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws Nelson Prada about much of his team's lineup. Key topics included second baseman and lead-off hitter Daniel Brito, the South Atlantic League's RBI leader first baseman and designated hitter Darick Hall and last year's first overall draft pick outfielder Mickey Moniak, among others. The BlueClaws were in the midst of a four-game win streak to start the month and had just beaten division rival Greensboro in walk-off fashion at the time of this discussion. Read ahead for the full interview. -Huge win. Brito with a big hit there to win it. He's had some ups and downs this year. Can you talk about Brito a bit? Yeah, I mean, we've been working with Brito honestly to hit the ball the opposite field and he's been pulling some balls through the year. Even Hagerstown, they shift him sometimes, which is something that's not good for hi...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog