Pittsburgh Pirates’ fans woke up Tuesday morning hearing the three most ominous words: Dr. James Andrews, after pitcher Brandon Cumpton stated he felt pain in his elbow after live batting practice at Pirate City.
Andrews’ visits normally do not end well and the Pirates hope that Cumpton caught the injury early enough to avoid Tommy John surgery, a fate top pitching prospect Jameson Taillon met last season.
According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Cumpton first noticed the pain a couple days ago while throwing batting practice and will see Dr. Andrews on Monday. Additionally Tim Williams of Pirates Prospects reported that Cumpton has been seen by Pirates doctors and an additional update will be provided after seeing Andrews.
Cumpton was pitching for a potential role with the Pirates however likely would have been a top starter at Triple-A Indianapolis.
In 2013, Cumpton appeared in six games with the team, starting five and posted a 2-1 record with a 2.05 ERA. He allowed 31 base runners in 30.2 innings pitched, had a 2.62 FIP, 1.011 WHIP and a 6.5 strikeouts-per-nine rate.
Last season, Cumpton received more of an extended look throwing 70 innings in 16 games, 10 of which were starts. Cumpton proved more hittable, allowing 82 base runners in those 70 innings, and allowed 90 total batters to reach base. The six-foot-two right hander from Georgia Tech also dropped from 0.6 to -1.2 in WAA (Wins Above Average), saw his WAR drop form 0.8 in 2013 to -0.6 last season, his hits-per-nine average go up by nearly three a game and saw an increased WHIP of 1.429.
This is the second injury to affect the Pirates as Corey Hart was injured when he sliced his foot near the arch upon stepping on a loose hot tub filter. This injury required three stitches, but Hart is expected back Monday.
The Cumpton injury causes the Pirates to be tested with their depth early on in Spring Training. Now Clayton Richard, Casey Sadler and possibly a non-roster invitee may have to hold that spot, as may whoever loses the fifth starter battle between Jeff Locke and Vance Worley assuming Charlie Morton is not ready to start the season.
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