It’s that time of the year where ridiculous baseball injuries start to prevent players from appearing on the Opening Day roster.
The latest player that has fallen victim to an off-the-field injury is Cincinnati Reds closer Raisel Iglesias. He’s a question mark for Opening Day after falling in the shower and injuring his right elbow and both of his hips.
Per Cincinnati.com…
The incident, which happened three weeks ago, led to a bone bruise in his right elbow and soreness in both hips. He spoke up about it last week, and has had anti-inflammatory shots to both areas. He won’t throw again for several more days.
“It happens,” Iglesias said through interpreter Julio Morillo. “I was taking a shower and did a bad move and tried hold with my left, but I couldn’t get anything with my right on the opposite. I couldn’t get anything. It happens. It’s a small shower there.”
Who gives a shit about the World Baseball Classic when rogue showers are injuring players?!
Reds manager Bryan Price doesn’t know whether or not Igesias will be healthy enough to start the year for the Reds, but Iglesias is much more optimistic.
“I’m going to be OK,” he said. “I’m probably going to throw one bullpen, and after that, mentally and physically, I’ll be ready to join the season and compete.”
Despite reportedly slipping three weeks ago, Iglesias last pitched in a Spring Training game for the Reds on March 14th against the Dodgers. During the 2016 season, the 27-year old made five starts and 32 appearances out of the bullpen, totaling 83 strikeouts and 26 walks in 78 1/3 innings, pitching to a 2.53 ERA and saving six games.
You know baseball season is getting close when we’re worried about the Opening Day status of a closer on a team that won 68 games in 2016. By the way, Cincinnati’s season begins on April 3rd at The Great American Ballpark against the Philadelphia Phillies.