WASHINGTON – Examinations of Braves reliever Chris Withrow’s sore elbow showed no ligament or other damage, and the setup man will begin throwing again Tuesday.
The right-hander went on on the 15-day disabled list Monday when his elbow remained sore three days after his last appearance. Because he missed half of the 2014 season and all of 2015 recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery (and back surgery), there was concern when he reported lingering discomfort.
But an MRI examination showed no ligament or other structural damage, and a second opinion confirmed the diagnosis. Withrow was cleared to begin throwing again next week during the Braves’ homestand, after giving the elbow time for inflammation to dissipate. The former Dodgers reliever is under contractual control for three more seasons.
“He’ll meet us Tuesday and then start playing catch,” Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said. “It’s good news. If he’s playing catch, it’s just a matter of time (before he’s back). When the time comes, he’s probably a rehab inning or two away from being (ready), I hope. We’ll find out when he starts playing catch. Reports are good, though.”
Withrow, 27, has a 3.31 ERA and .212 opponents’ average in 40 appearances, with 25 strikeouts and 14 walks in 32 2/3 innings, including a .216 average by right-handed batters and .205 by lefties. Those splits make him well-suited as a setup man who can pitch an entire inning and occasionally more.
In his past 22 appearances he posted a 1.47 ERA and .197 opponents’ average in 18 1/3 innings.
The Braves are planning to get starter Julio Teheran and closer Arodys Vizcaino back from the DL late next week, and Withrow might not be more than a week behind them.
The Braves have been using resurgent veteran Jim Johnson effectively in the closer role with Vizcaino out, and rookie flamethrower Mauricio Cabrera has moved up to an eighth-inning role recently.
“If we get (Withrow) back, have him finish the year, that’ll be good,” Snitker said. “As big as he’s been, that’s a big void there kind of bridging to get to the other guys. It’s been good that Mo’s (Cabrera) has stepped in and kind of took his spot, and done a really good job.”
Cabrera is 2-0 with a 2.78 ERA, .200 opponents’ average and 3-for-3 saves converted in 22 appearances since arriving from Double-A, and has 20 strikeouts and six walks in 22 2/3 innings.
In his past 11 appearances Cabrera has been particularly impressive, posting a 1.50 ERA and .143 opponents’ average with 14 strikeouts and two walks in 12 innings.
And in the late innings of close games, Cabrera has a puny.103 opponents’ average, best among the Braves. Hitters are just 4-for-39 against him in those situations with two walks, 12 strikeouts and a .146 OBP.
“It’s like we’re not giving him too much responsibility, ever, that he can’t handle,” said Snitker, who has repeatedly lauded Cabrera for handling all the responsibility given him despite his lack of experience.
