The rehabilitations of pitchers Andrew Cashner and Randy Wells continue to diverge as the latter is just about ready to return to the big club, and the former won’t be back for another couple months – if he’s back at all this year.
Cashner, who’s been on the disabled list since the first week of the season, is going to see noted sports medicine doc Lewis Yocum for a second opinion on his strained right rotator cuff. If that name sounds familiar, it should: Mark Prior visited Dr. Yocum on more than one occasion for treatment on his various issues, including shoulder problems. The Cubs have said they’re just being extra cautious with the young pitcher. They don’t believe the injury is more serious than the initial diagnosis (and confirmation by a second MRI this week), and aren’t expecting any kind of surgical option.
Still, I’m nervous. Shoulder surgery, even minor shoulder surgery, on a kid like Cashner could end his career before it starts – or could, at least, end his starting career. That is, of course, the Cub fan in me coming out. I’m probably being melodramatic.
Given the likelihood that the Cubs will not be in the race much longer this year, here’s hoping the Cubs don’t push Cashner too hard to return too soon. If a protracted treatment method is in his long-term interests, then so be it. It isn’t worth wrecking the kid’s future for an extra win or two this year.
At least Randy Wells’ rehab is going well. Recovering from a right forearm strain, Wells is expected to start tomorrow at AAA Iowa before rejoining the Cubs next weekend. Each of Casey Coleman and Doug Davis are probably pitching for their rotation spots this week, with each getting one more look before Wells comes back. Round one – Coleman against the Marlins and Davis against the Red Sox – went to Coleman.