NEWSLETTER
Matt Garza’s arm issue got worse every time we heard more about it. First it was just triceps cramping and a precautionary removal. And then there was fluid buildup and a missed start. Then there was stiffness and another evaluation. And then there was a “stress reaction,” a DL trip, and a possibly ended season.
Don’t worry, there isn’t any additional bad news here today.
Garza, for his part, is determined to return this year, and even fought with the Cubs about the current course of action – apparently Garza must not have thought his elbow issue was as serious as the Cubs did.
“I just feel out of it,” Garza said yesterday, according to CSN. “I don’t like not playing. I’m not here to just watch. This is the toughest thing for me to face, not being able to do anything [and] holding back from going out there and wanting to throw. That’s why I fought so long with them. They just said they’ve had enough and let’s see what else is in there. It’s nothing bad. It’s just the doc said a little rest and [let’s] just get it over with.”
In the interim, Garza isn’t thrilled about being forced onto the sidelines.
“It sucks, man, they’re not letting me throw a ball,” Garza said. “It’s not fun to come here and sit down. Yeah, I get to work out and ride a bike and watch a ballgame. But it’s still not what I like doing. I like being out there taking control of my game and being able to do what I get paid to do.”
Garza suggested that he could pitch through the issue even now, but obviously nobody wants to see a “stress reaction” become a stress fracture or worse, a UCL issue.
For now, the Cubs and Garza will have to hope that a couple weeks of rest will clear things up, and that he can come back for about three starts at the end of the year.
