Thursday Bantering: Tepera, Axford Injured

The thing I hope for most, during spring training, is no (or few) injuries. Well, it hasn’t worked out this year.

• Ryan Tepera has ‘elbow inflammation’ and is off to see Dr. David Altchek. It is possible that Tommy John surgery is in his near future, but let’s hope not.
• John Axford has ‘a stress reaction’ in his right elbow. He’s going to rest it for 4 weeks and will be reassessed. Both will start the season on the DL.

The injuries will open a couple of spots in the pen. I’m thinking David Paulino has a much better shot at making the team. After that, maybe Danny Barnes, Trent Thornton (though they are talking about him as a starter in Buffalo) or Javy Guerra. might have a shot. Maybe Justin Shafer? I don’t know if it helps or hurt Elvis Luciano’s chances. He really hasn’t looked like someone who should be on a major league roster this year. If they keep him, we will need an 8-man bullpen, which makes it less likely Dalton Pompey will make the team.

And it moves Joe Biagini into a setup spot along with Bud Norris and Tim Mayza. I’m guessing Sam Gaviglio will make the team as a ‘long reliever’.

Not Jays news, but Ichiro Suzuki has retired. He played RF in today’s (or yesterday’s) Mariners/A’s game in Tokyo.

When my youngest son was 4 or 5 we went to Seattle for a few games, and he loved Ichiro. He copied Ichiro’s batting stance and would still do years later playing little league (he’d likely still do it if he was still playing but rugby and snow boarding are his sports of choice now. I had coaches turn to me and say ‘What is he doing?’ Don’t worry, he just likes Ichiro.

Congratulations on an amazing career Ichiro. Hope you enjoy retirement.

Today’s game is on MLB.TV (with the Phillies broadcast team) but I don’t see it on Sportsnet’s schedule. I’m dealing with parent stuff, so likely won’t see the game.

Kevin Pillar is scratched from today’s game and is day-to-day with neck stiffness. Billy McKinney will be playing in his place.

Brandon Drury leads off. I think he would be a good choice for the leadoff spot. He’s having a great spring. Pompey plays, along with most of the regulars.