De Fratus Experiences Setback with Elbow

Righty reliever Justin De Fratus, who has been checking in with this site throughout his delayed 2012 campaign regarding his progress, as he recovers from an elbow ailment, has experienced a setback on his road to recovery.

De Fratus told PhoulBallz.com's and PhilliesNation.com's Jay Floyd exclusively last weekend that, following a rehab appearance with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers that he would have a similar outing with Clearwater the following Wednesday. After experiencing more discomfort with his increasingly aggressive work schedule, De Fratus was shut down by the Phillies, as a precautionary measure to avoid additional problems.

Described as a strain on the flexor tendon in his throwing elbow, the ailment is expected to heal fully with rest. The native of Oxnard, CA is expected to sit out for two weeks and will then be reevaluated for a return to an active throwing program.

An 11th round draft pick in 2007, De Fratus made his Major League debut last season and posted a 1-0 record with a 2.25 ERA in 5 relief appearances for the Phillies.

This year, after rest and several bullpen sessions, the 24-year-old De Fratus got his first taste of game action nine days ago, when he threw an effective inning in extended spring training and followed that up with a scoreless frame for Clearwater on Sunday, April 22nd.

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