Injury Update: Brett Myers

Philadelphia closer Brett Myers left tonights game after giving up 4 runs and 5 hits in 2/3 IP with what's being called a sore right shoulder. Observers watching the game reported he was holding his triceps and looked to be in quite a bit of pain. After looking back over his recent usage, there's no question Jerry Manuel was abusing him. Myers pitched 6 times between May 12th - 20th, including 3 appearances over an inning long. The Philly bullpen has been a mess outside of Myers, so Manuel didn't feel comfortable using anyone else in close situations, regardless if it was a save opportunity or not. However, those are the times you go out and acquire an arm instead of abusing the one consistent guy in your pen. Also factor in that Myers wasn't used to the crazy life of a relief pitcher, instead pitching every 5 days throughout his minor and major league career. Manuel is a bad manager and needs to be fired, especially after this. It's one thing to take the best starter and turn him into a reliever, but it's another to abuse that arm.

Fantasy Impact: Nothing definitive will be known until tests are performed. There's no clearcut 2nd man in the Philly bullpen, so much like with Oakland, it's best to avoid the whole situation between now and when Tom Gordon returns. All Gordon owners will be getting a closer back when he returns from the DL, reportedly the first week of June.