Are you ready for the biggest shock of your life? I hope you're sitting down right now because I have some news that is sure to shake the very foundations of the Earth and all those who live upon it. Mountains will crumble to the ground, oceans will burst aflame, and birds will then try to swim in the Pacific Inferno. It's just that crazy.As Mr. Price alluded to Friday, Detroit reliever Joel Zumaya was scratched from an appearance on Saturday. Well, as it turns out, Saturday's appearance wasn't the only one it looks like Zumaya is going to miss, because if you ask his manager Jim Leyland, Zumaya won't even be ready to go by Opening Day.
"I doubt very much whether he's going to be ready for Opening Day, unless something happens," Leyland said. "I say that because he really hasn't pitched in two years. Let me put it this way: It's in the gray area now."Hey, I know that most Tigers fans are saying "here we go again" to themselves right now while cursing Zumaya under their breath, but I don't think that's fair. I mean, the Tigers have been in camp for three weeks now and Zumaya is just now getting injured. That has to be a personal record for him, and it's a sign that things are heading in the right direction. Why, by 2014 Joel may be able to pitch an entire two months before going on the disabled list.
As for what this means for the Tigers, well, obviously it's not good. For a bullpen that had so much trouble getting people out last season, losing a key part like Zumaya is never a good thing. At the same time, however, Leyland needs to approach the upcoming season like he's not going to have Zumaya available at all. With his injury history over the last two years, it's irresponsible to count on him for anything.
