Wood shut down after 8 pitches in simulated game today...

wow...that's potentially some really big news

 

Actually, I thought it was Kerry Wood who was shut down after a bullpen session today... not Mark Prior.

Prior just got done pitching in the minors on Friday night, so I doubt he would have pitched a simulated game that soon... but it makes sense for Wood, who's eligible to come off the DL soon.

Either way, its good news for the Astros... but we have to capitalize.

 

Not sure where Mark Prior came from?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1807581

CHICAGO -- Kerry Wood will have a bone scan Monday after he cut short a live batting practice session Sunday when he felt more discomfort in his right triceps.


The Chicago Cubs right-hander was put on the disabled list Thursday, retroactive to May 12, and hoped to come off this Thursday and pitch Friday in Pittsburgh.


He left a start against the Dodgers on May 11 after two innings because of soreness in the triceps and has missed two starts since.


Wood warmed up in the bullpen Sunday and then went to the regular mound at Wrigley Field. But the batting practice session against real hitters lasted just eight pitches before Wood walked off the mound and into the dugout.


"He's not in any severe pain. We optimistically feel it's what we felt it was the other day. But since he didn't feel any better today and had a little discomfort, we're going to get the last test tomorrow and go from there," general manager Jim Hendry said.


"We're not anticipating anything negative."


The decision to have the bone scan was made after Hendry discussed the situation with Dr. Stephen Gryzlo, the team's orthopaedist.


Earlier tests, including an MRI, showed inflammation in Wood's triceps, but no tears.


Hendry said he had no idea if Wood would still be able to pitch Friday in Pittsburgh, despite Sunday's obvious setback.


"Obviously, you wanted him to get more work done today," Hendry said. "If everything is negative on the bone scan, I'm sure he'll get his work done based on how he feels."


Wood, 3-3 with a 2.82 ERA and 52 strikeouts, missed the entire 1999 season after elbow ligament replacement surgery, so the Cubs are being cautious with their prize pitcher.


"Obviously, you'd like to go forward. You don't overreact to these things, either," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said.


"Would we rather have a good day today with it? Sure. But does that mean anything monumental or anything? Hopefully not. I don't think right now I feel that way."


Wood had thrown 24 pitches in the bullpen Thursday and reported he felt about 95 percent before the Cubs put him on the disabled list.


"We told Woody if he wasn't 100 percent at any time this week, that we'll kick back and shut it down," Hendry said.


Wood was not immediately available for comment.

 

It would be huge news if the Astros could actually gain some ground on the Cubs while their two best pitchers are out. I know it's early, but this doesn't exactly bode well for the stretch.

 

Yeah, no kidding. I was reading the Yahoo recap on tonight's game, though, and Ausmus said no one is worried, that when the pitching gets hot, the whole team will get hot. I agree because the Astros are too good to be a team that is just a little over .500. Before today we were on a 3 game losing streak and we were still tied for the best record in the national league, now only 1 game back.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1808389

Bone scan negative, but Cubs being cautious

Associated Press

CHICAGO -- Kerry Wood's right arm is structurally sound, a bone scan showed Monday, but the Chicago Cubs' ace is still expected to miss up to three weeks.


The test confirmed the original diagnosis of tendinitis in the lower triceps muscle. There was no evidence of a stress fracture.


Wood was put on the disabled list last Thursday, retroactive to May 12, and hoped to be able to pitch Friday in Pittsburgh. But he was forced to cut a live batting practice session short Sunday afternoon after feeling more discomfort.


Wood will rest for one week and then resume his throwing regimen.


The Cubs said they expect him to sidelined for 2½-to-3 weeks, pushing his return back to early June.


Wood left a start against the Dodgers on May 11 after two innings because of soreness in the triceps, and has missed two starts since. Initial tests, including an MRI, showed inflammation in the triceps, but no tears.


Wood, 3-3 with a 2.82 ERA and 52 strikeouts, missed the entire 1999 season after elbow ligament replacement surgery, so the Cubs are being overly cautious with their prized pitcher.


"We told Woody if he wasn't 100 percent at any time this week, that we'll kick back and shut it down," general manager Jim Hendry said Sunday.


Chicago began the day tied with Cincinnati for first place in the NL Central. The Cubs have gone 25-18 despite having already had nine players on the disabled list; the club record for a season is 16 in 1970.


Fellow ace Mark Prior has been on the disabled list all year with an inflamed Achilles tendon and a sore elbow, though he'll make his second rehab start at Class A Lansing on Tuesday night and could return the first weekend in June.


Sammy Sosa is out with a strained ligament in his back brought on by two sneezes.


The Cubs also are without second baseman Mark Grudzielanek (Achilles' heel) and shortstop Alex Gonzalez (broken wrist). Reliever Mike Remlinger (shoulder) returned Saturday, only to be replaced on the disabled list by lefty Kent Mercker, who has a sore lower back.