From the "You knew it was coming" dept: Joel Zumaya to have surgery

by BigAl on May 4, 2011 2:30 PM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

Last we heard from the Tigers' flame-trowing, yet oft-injured, Joel Zumaya, his Florida rehab had been shut down due to "discomfort" in the elbow.

The discomfort has led doctors to take more drastic action.

Via Jason Beck of MLB.com:

Joel Zumaya’s 2011 season sounds likely over before it ever began. The Tigers announced that the hard-throwing, but injury-riddled reliever will undergo exploratory surgery next Tuesday to determine what is ailing in his right elbow.

No timetable was released with the news, and the club is expected to reserve comment until after the surgery. However, head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said two weeks ago there was serious doubt whether Zumaya could return in time for the season if he had the surgery.

"Serious doubt?" That's being generous.

We all know a return to the Tigers, let alone a return to intimidating 100 MPH form, is the longest of long shots for Zumaya. He's become this generation's Mark Fydrich. There was one glorious season, but a promising career gone off the rails due to injury.

With Zumaya due to become a free agent, the team will likely part ways with him after the season.The Tigers need to move on, and Zumaya may have to move on from a baseball career. Unfortunate, but true.

I remember the powerful, entertaining and scary good Joel Zumaya who made the Yankees look silly in the 2006 playoffs. So it's a shame the last lingering image we'll have of Zoom is of his screaming in pain on the field in Minnesota after breaking his elbow.

A real damn shame.

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A real damn shame.

That it is…

by MrPants20 on May 4, 2011 2:35 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Although expected

For some reason this makes me sadder than the seven game losing streak.

by wilsonm24 on May 4, 2011 2:50 PM EDT reply actions

Some stars burn hot and bright for a very short time.

I have a grand idea: let's win a game.

by 13194013 on May 4, 2011 3:01 PM EDT reply actions

Its better to burn out, than to fade away

my my, hey hey

by 84tigers on May 4, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Neil Young

by TigersFan1957 on May 4, 2011 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

sad

i know there has always been disappointment with his health, but i’ll always love the guy. you know he has always tried his best to come back and give ilitch his money’s worth. it just never panned out. good luck joel.

by weedig on May 4, 2011 3:06 PM EDT reply actions

Zoomer was out for the ALCS against the A's, and never really came back after that

I recall a high inside pitch that practically shaved the five o’clock shadow off of Gary Sheffield’s chin during the LDS against the Yankees, and the look on Sheff’s face after he struck out a pitch or two later. Went away just shaking his head, and the Tigers went on to beat the Yanks in four games. It was fun while it lasted. He’s been a big tease every since.

It’s called “arthroscopic surgery” this time. Best case is they find some debris such as bone chips that are causing the pain, and that gets cleared up in a few weeks. More likely, this surgery leads to more surgery, and he is done as a Tiger.

I don't care what the Chinese say, 2011 is the Year of the Tiger!

by Tigerdog1 on May 4, 2011 3:06 PM EDT reply actions

Farewell, Voodoo Child.

I don’t kow how much of this is due to his speed or mechanics or stupidity in the off-season, but I agree it’s a damned shame.

"Some guy told me I should walk with the Lord. I'd rather walk with the bases loaded" Ken Singleton

by NCDee on May 4, 2011 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

Glass Joel

When he was able to avulse a tendon at his elbow simply from throwing a fastball (100mph or not) his career was over…no amount of surgery/rehab is going to keep a guy that fragile from ending up injured if he continues to put the stress of throwing on his arm.

I can’t believe the Tigers have held out some modicum of hope this long.

Thanks for ’06 guy!

by SkylineSeats on May 4, 2011 3:59 PM EDT reply actions