Terrible news for the New York Yankees this weekend, as they have lost yet another starting pitcher to injury. Jeff Karstens was hit by a Julio Lugo line drive, which broke his right leg.
On his very first pitch of the game against the Boston Red Sox, Karstens was hit on the side of his knee by Lugo's lined shot. He's not expected to need surgery and should return some time this season after being examined by the team physician.
The rookie righty fell to the ground in pain after he was hit and received a big hand from the sellout crowd, threw a few warmup pitches and actually remained in the game for a bit. Probably not the smartest thing, since his fibula was cracked.
He threw five more pitches - two for strikes - but was pulled after giving up a sharp single to Kevin Youkilis.
Already desperately missing starters Mike Mussina with an injured hamstring and Carl Pavano with a sore forearm, the Yankees picked Karstens over Kei Igawa for Saturday's assignment.
Igawa ended up pitching that day anyway, and helped the Yanks end their seven-game skid. The lefty shut out the Red Sox for 6+ innings in the 3-1 victory, giving up only two hits with six strikeouts and 4 walks.
Mussina is expected to return on Thursday night for a game against the Texas Rangers while Pavano is scheduled to to throw off a mound Sunday, avoiding a full bullpen session.
3 comments:
This just tickles me pink!
Is it bad to be happy when people are hurt?
Not if it's the Evil Empire...
Great pic of Karstens there, mid-agony.
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