It’s the stuff of nightmares for fans and for players.
It’s an early inning. First, second, fourth. One of your top starters is on the mound. He grimaces after a pitch. Maybe just a tweak? He squats awkwardly after another pitch. Just needs to stretch? And then he stumbles, pain etched on his face.
I can still remember that awful sense of dread watching Tyler Glasnow shake his right arm uncomfortably last year. And tonight it was El Electrico, Luis Patiño, who left the mound, trainer at his side, looking grim. Yes, the Rays have pitching depth but no, we don’t want one of our starters, a young guy seemingly poised for success, to be out.