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| Joel Zumaya has been looking good in his bullpen session so far in spring training, according to the Detroit News. Skipper Jim Leyland said, "The ball is flying out of his hand. I watched him throw and asked one of my coaches, 'How does a human being hit that?'" |
Our View: This is encouraging news for Zumaya, who is coming off August surgery to remove a bone shard from his throwing shoulder. He is projected to work as a setup man behind new closer Jose Valverde, and will be worth targeting in fantasy leagues that award points for holds.
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| Joel Zumaya is on track to be fully healthy for the start of the Grapefruit League games, according to the Detroit News. |
Our View: Zumaya feels great after undergoing surgery to remove a bone shard from his throwing shoulder in August. He looks to have good odds of being ready to serve in the Tigers' bullpen for opening day.
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| Joel Zumaya is on pace to throw off the mound this week, according to Detroit beat writer Jason Beck's twitter page. |
Our View: Zumaya has been recovering from August surgery to remove a bone shard from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. He has been progressing well, and looks to have good odds of being ready to serve in the Tigers' bullpen for opening day.
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| According to Jason Beck on Twitter, the Tigers have agreed to a one-year deal with reliever Joel Zumaya. |
Our View: No word yet on the financial details, but the contract means the Tigers avoid Zumaya going through arbitration. If they lose out on the Jose Valverde sweepstakes and can't find anyone to fill the void at the back end of their rotation, Zumaya could be a stop gap option at closer. If that happens his fantasy value would skyrocket.
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| Joel Zumaya could be the top candidate for the Tigers' closer's role for 2010, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Brandon Lyon departed for Houston, and the Tigers are yet to sign any relievers to a multi-year deal. Fernando Rodney is also on the Phillies' radar. Zumaya has been recovering from surgery to remove a bone shard from a stress fracture in his right shoulder, but is now on a regular training program. He is only 25 and the hard-throwing righty could be a pleasant surprise next season if he can stay healthy.
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| The Detroit News reports that Joel Zumaya underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone chip from his shoulder on Friday. |
Our View: Dr. James Andrews wielded the scalpel and cleaned up Zumaya's labrum and rotator cuff. His season is over, but he expects to be 100 percent healthy and ready to go for 2010 Spring Training. We'll have to see it to believe it.
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| Joel Zumaya has been transferred to the 60-day DL, according to TSN. |
Our View: He is slated to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery later this week. Dr. James Andrews will perform the procedure.
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| According to MLBlogs.com, Tigers' reliever Joel Zumaya is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery on August 21st. |
Our View: Dr. James Andrews is slated to wield the knife and the surgery will end Zumaya's season. He's been all hype and disappointment with no positive results since the infamous Guitar Hero injury.
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| According to the Twitter page of Tigers' beat writer Jason Beck, relief pitcher Joel Zumaya is scheduled to have surgery on his shoulder next month. Zumaya will miss the remainder of the 2009 season. |
Our View: After meeting with Dr. Andrews today, both sides decided that it would be in Zumaya's best interest to have surgery this season. This is a blow to the Tigers, but with his injury history it should come as no surprise to fantasy owners. He should obviously be dropped by anyone who is still employing him on their fantasy team.
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| Joel Zumaya will visit Dr. James Andrews Thursday for an exam on his injured right shoulder, according to MLive.com. |
Our View: Zumaya has been plagued by shoulder issues, and surgery is a possibility. He is still battling soreness even after receiving two cortisone shots.
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| According to MLB.com, Tigers' relief pitcher Joel Zumaya threw on Sunday for the first time since injuring his shoulder last Friday night against the Yankees. The Tigers believe Zumaya will be able to return before the season is over. |
Our View: Zumaya received two cortisone shots in his shoulder, and if he responds well he could spend only a limited amount of time on the DL. When healthy, Zumaya is still a strikeout machine, but it seems like he is hurt all the time. When he does come back, it will only be a matter of time before he lands on the DL again.
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| The Tigers are waiting to see how Joel Zumaya's ailing shoulder responds over the next few days before deciding on what to do with him, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: He could either return to the Tigers' pen in a few weeks, or undergo season-ending surgery. He will attempt to throw when the pain in his shoulder subsides.
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| Joel Zumaya's shoulder injury is an aggravation of a stress fracture he suffered last season, according to MLive.com. |
Our View: Surgery is a possibility. A return in 2009 is also possible, if not likely. He's probably not worth stashing in any format, including keeper leagues. He is simply too injury prone to be of much value, and has not pitched well this season.
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| The severity of Joel Zumaya's shoulder injury is uncertain, according to the Detroit News. Zumaya felt a pop in his shoulder during Friday's game, and skipper Jim Leyland said, "For all I know, he could be back in two weeks or he could miss the rest of the year." |
Our View: Zumaya underwent an MRI, and the results are yet to be revealed. He should remain held on deeper fantasy rosters for now, and we will keep you posted on his status.
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| Joel Zumaya has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder soreness. |
Our View: Zumaya ominously heard a pop in the shoulder Friday night. With his checkered injury history, don't expect the flamethrowing righty back any time soon.
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| Joel Zumaya picked up his first save of the season in Friday's 4-3 win over the Rockies. However, it was not easy. He surrendered two runs on a home run on two hits and a walk before striking out the side. |
Our View: Zumaya has allowed runs in each of his last two starts after looking exceptional in his first few outings. He will not be taking over the closer's job. Manager Jim Leyland simply wanted to give Fernando Rodney the night off.
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| Joel Zumaya pitched the final inning as the Tigers beat the Royals 9-1 on Saturday. He allowed two hits and threw eight of his 13 pitches for strikeouts. |
Our View: Zumaya has thrown quite a bit this week, and he appears to be 100 percent recovered from his shoulder injury. He should move into a setup role for the surprisingly effective Fernando Rodney.
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| Updating a previous report, Joel Zumaya will join the Tigers on Saturday, according to the Detroit News. |
Our View: The Tigers are still unsure who will be bumped from the big league roster when Zumaya arrives. Juan Rincon, Eddie Bonine and Ryan Perry have been mentioned as possibilities.
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| According to the Detroit News, Joel Zumaya will rejoin the Tigers on Friday. He has finished his rehab stint from an ailing shoulder. |
Our View: It'll be wait and see with Zumaya for a bit, but if he looks dominant he may have a shot at stealing the closer's job from Fernando Rodney. Rodney has been good though, so it'll take a lot. Just keep him away from Guitar Hero.
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| Joel Zumaya will make back-to-back appearances for Triple-A Toledo this week as he attempts to return from a right shoulder injury, according to the Detroit News. He will pitch Tuesday and Wednesday for the Mud Hens, and will be evaluated after those performances. |
Our View: Zumaya was clocked at 101 mph is his first appearance for Toledo on Saturday, in which he threw two innings and gave up a couple of hits. If all goes well, he could be back in the Tigers' bullpen within the next few weeks.
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| The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Joel Zumaya will begin his rehab assignment in Triple-A Toledo this Saturday. He is still recovering from a right shoulder injury. |
Our View: Barring any setbacks, Zumaya will join the Tigers' bullpen within the next few weeks. His fantasy value is fairly limited unless he gets to be closer by default if Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon can't get the job done.
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| MLB.com reports that Joel Zumaya walked three hitters and allowed two earned runs in 1.1 innings of worh on Wednesday for Single-A Lakeland. He also allowed a home run in the outing, but apparently suffered no setbacks regarding his right shoulder. |
Our View: For the second straight outing, Zumaya has walked the first two batters he has faced. The team may still choose to move him up a level, but he'll need to make back-to-back appearances before he is called up to the Tigers. The only way he will be closing this season is if Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon prove ineffective.
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| Joel Zumaya, who is rehabbing from a sore right shoulder, pitched one inning Saturday with Single-A Lakeland, according to the Detroit News. He allowed one hit, one earned run and two walks during his outing, with one strikeout and one wild pitch. |
Our View: Barring a setback, Zumaya could return to the Tigers next week. He could get some save opportunities, and Zumaya is worth owning in AL-only leagues.
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| Joel Zumaya is scheduled to make an appearance at Single-A Lakeland on Saturday, according to the Detroit Free Press. |
Our View: If everything goes well, Zumaya could be back in the Tigers' bullpen at some point next week. The 100-mph slinger is still a candidate to get saves at some point this season, though Francisco Rodney should remain the closer for the time being with Brandon Lyon possibly getting a few opportunities as well.
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| Joel Zumaya, who is recovering from a sore shoulder, threw 43 pitches during a minor league intrasquad game yesterday, according to MLive.com. |
Our View: Zumaya pitched without any issues, and his rehab is going fine. Zumaya could be back in mid-April, and may push for save opportunities if healthy.
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| MLB.com reports that Joel Zumaya (sore shoulder) is not far from returning to the Tigers. He threw two innings on Saturday in an extended spring training game. He will throw in a few more games before heading to the minor leagues to pitch on back-to-back days. He was placed on the DL last week, retroactive to March 27. |
Our View: It looks as if Zumaya could be back by mid-April and there's a good chance that he finds himself working the ninth inning for the Tigers. Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney are the other closing options, and neither figures to be very reliable.
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| Joel Zumaya (sore shoulder) has been placed on the 15-day DL by the Tigers, according to MLB.com. The move is retroactive to March 27. |
Our View: Zumaya won't be ready for opening day, but is still worth stashing for AL-only leagues that feature middle relievers, namely as a source for strikeouts.
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| The Detroit News reports that reliever Joel Zumaya could miss up to another month with his shoulder problems. |
Our View: The Tigers want Zumaya fully healthy before he rejoins the team. He threw 12 pitches on Saturday and reported no problems. Fantasy owners have been waiting for him to one day become the team's closer, but when that will ultimately happen is anyone's guess.
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| Joel Zumaya feels better, according to the Detroit News. He has been dealing with shoulder problems throughout the spring and manager Jim Leyland said, "He feels better, I will leave it at that. I have no predictions."
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Our View: Zumaya had a shot to serve as a setup man, but it is uncertain if he will be ready for opening day. He should be left for deeper AL-only leagues.
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| Manager Jim Leyland says that he has "serious doubts" as to if Joel Zumaya will be ready for opening day, according to MLB.com. He has dealt with shoulder issues all spring. |
Our View: The Tigers have a mess of options to fill his spot in the bullpen if he begins the season on the DL, but none of them are particularly attractive. Zumaya was penciled in to be the Tigers' eighth inning specialist, but that does not look like it will be the case when the regular season starts. Zumaya was good for only 21 games last season and the Tigers sought insurance in closer Brandon Lyon in the offseason.
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| Joel Zumaya, who has been dealing with shoulder pain, is expected to pitch one inning in Saturday's intrasquad game, according to the Detroit News. |
Our View: If healthy, Zumaya could be a decent source for strikeouts as a potential setup man, with either Brandon Lyon or Fernando Rodney closing.
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| Joel Zumaya will not be the Tigers' closer even he has a strong spring, according to the Detroit News. Skipper Jim Leyland said, "Just so there is no confusion, even if he has a good spring, Joel Zumaya will not be the Tigers' closer coming out of spring training. He will not be the closer to start with. I doubt very much we would do that right now. I have not spoken to him about it, though. We just want him healthy."
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Our View: Zumaya will likely be a setup man this season, with Brandon Lyon or Fernando Rodney the closer. Zumaya is worth targeting in leagues that feature middle men, and could be a nice source for strikeouts.
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| Joel Zumaya hopes to be near 260 pounds come opening day, according to the Detroit Free Press. He currently weighs in at 245. |
Our View: It's a problem we would love to have. Zumaya was at his heaviest in his best season back in 2006. He is known as one of the hardest throwers in the game, but he had multiple injury issues last season, most notably his shoulder. He will probably be a set-up man for the Tigers in 2009.
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| Joel Zumaya has thrown off the mound four times and his shoulder is progressing well, according to MLB.com. He said, "Other than fatigue, the way I have thrown, you cannot ask for anything more." |
Our View: Zumaya was strong in 2006 prior to being hindered by injuries, and could push for the closer's role if he proves to be healthy and can fire his 100-mph fastball again.
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| Joel Zumaya is confident heading into the new season and stated that the Tigers can count on him, according to the Detroit News. He has battled injuries over the past two years, but said, "The ball has been coming out of my hand like 2006. There have been no symptoms of pain. No symptoms of injury. No signs of reduced speed. It is very encouraging. It makes you feel very good about yourself. People say, 'Well, how are you gonna feel in the long run?' And I'll tell you right now I am going to be fine." He notably suffered a second fracture to his shoulder last September.
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Our View: He is not throwing off a mound yet, but expects to make the opening day roster. He could compete for the closer's role, if he can still fire his 100-mph fastball.
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| Tigers manager Jim Leyland is cautious about the positive reports on Joel Zumaya, according to the Detroit News. "I don't get too excited when a guy is throwing 90-feet long toss," Leyland said. "I want to see what happens when there are three tiers on the stadium, there are 40,000 fans in the park and the adrenaline is pumping. Is he going to hold up? Is he going to be OK? |
Our View: Zumaya could compete for the Tigers' closing job, but that could really depend on if he still has his 100 mph fastball. He tended to rely on that for a lot of his success, so pitching without it could be a learning experience for him.
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| The Associated Press reports the Detroit Tigers and relief pitcher Joel Zumaya have agreed on a one-year, $735,000 deal. |
Our View: Zumaya's value for the upcoming season will depend greatly upon whether a pair of shoulder surgeries has diminished his velocity and tarnished his once high confidence level.
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| Joel Zumaya is progressing well according to the Detroit Free Press. If he is cleared by a doctor later this week, he could begin tossing soon. It’s still possible that he will be ready for the start of the regular season. “The news, lately, has been positive,” Tigers' GM Dave Dombrowski said. |
Our View: If the Tigers are unable to capture a closer in the offseason, there's a chance, yet again, that Zumaya closes games next season. Still, he relied a lot on his 100-mph heater and he may no longer have that after multiple surgeries.
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| Reliever Joel Zumaya is currently pain-free and has a full range of motion in his right shoulder, MLB.com reports. Zumaya missed the last six weeks of the season due to a stress fracture in the joint. He is not yet able to throw, but the club is encouraged. "You couldn't make a conclusion today, but we're pleased with the progress," vice president and assistant general manager Al Avila admits. |
Our View: The Tigers still need to operate as if they will not have Zumaya to start 2009, so they should still pursue a reliever who could be their closer. Zumaya remains their closer of the long-term future, provided his shoulder cooperates.
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| Joel Zumaya has been transferred from the 15 to the 60-day DL to make room for Freddy Garcia on the 40-man roster, according to Mlive.com. Garcia signed a contract with Detroit prior to taking the hill Wednesday night. |
Our View: Zumaya is rehabbing from a stress fracture in a bone at the front of his right shoulder, and was not going to return this season.
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| Joel Zumaya has a stress fracture in a bone at the front of his right shoulder and will be shut down from baseball activities for six to eight weeks according to the AP. He has been on the disabled list since August 13. |
Our View: Chalk up Zumaya's 2008 as a disappointment. He managed just 21 appearances and one save as he battled shoulder issues all year. Hopefully the rest he receives over the offseason will remedy this issue, but you can never be certain with shoulders.
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| Joel Zumaya has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a sore right shoulder, according to the Miami Herald. The team recalled pitcher Francis Beltran from Triple-A Toledo to take Zumaya's place on the roster. |
Our View: Manager Jim Leyland is not counting on Zumaya contributing again this season, so he may be done for 2008 with Todd Jones expected to return from the DL this week. As of now, Fernando Rodney is the top candidate for saves.
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| The Tigers were hoping to see a win after scoring three in the sixth, but reliever Joel Zumaya failed to close the door, entering in the 7th inning with two outs to surrender two runs (both earned) on two hits with three walks, never registering an out and earning his fourth blown save of the season. |
Our View: Zumaya also picked up the loss, now sitting at 0-2 on the season with a 3.47 ERA. Both losses have come in August since returning from injury.
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| Joel Zumaya will not throw in back-to-back games, according to MLB.com. "I'm going to watch him, watch him real close," Leyland said. "I'll be careful with him." |
Our View: Zumaya has been dealing with some tightness in his right triceps of late, which made the recent pronouncement that he would function as the team's closer perplexing. As it stands, Zumaya and Fernando Rodney will likely split closers duties with Kyle Farnsworth a long shot.
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| On the day he was handed the closer's role, Joel Zumaya allowed three hits and four runs (one earned) and took a loss against the White Sox. Zumaya and the Tigers held a 8-6 lead going into the bottom of the 14th, and Nick Swisher finished the game with a three-run homer. Shortstop Edgar Renteria didn't help the cause by making an error. |
Our View: Renteria can share the blame, but the shortstop wasn't the one who gave up a single, double and home run. Zumaya has allowed at least one run in four straight outings and in six of his last seven showings.
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| The Tigers have another new closer. Joel Zumaya is now the man who will work the ninth inning, the Detroit News reports. "If we have a lead in the ninth inning, that's who will pitch," manager Jim Leyland says. The skipper adds that Zumaya is over a recent issue with his right shoulder, and Leyland cautioned that he may also consider Fernando Rodney and Kyle Farnsworth in the ninth inning on occasion. |
Our View: There was a time not so long ago when fantasy owners would have been shouting with glee about this news. However, Zumaya has allowed runs in three straight outings (and in five of six showings) and hasn't looked like his old self since coming back from surgery. Every closer is worth looking at in fantasy leagues, but we would guess that Zumaya's hold is tenuous.
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| Joel Zumaya will not be available to pitch for the next few days due to tenderness in his upper right arm-shoulder area, according to the AP. Manager Jim Leyland said, "We’re hoping Tuesday he’s able to pitch." |
Our View: Fantasy owners should keep him stashed, as he could be line for some save opportunities with Todd Jones on the DL.
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| Joel Zumaya hurled 1.1 innings on Friday night, and though he picked up two strikeouts he also allowed a solo home run to Evan Longoria. |
Our View: With Todd Jones on the DL, Zumaya could be in line to pick up some save chances, though outings like this one certainly won't help him in that endeavor as he needed 32 pitches to record four outs.
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| Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya will be given some opportunities to close out games, depending on the circumstances, according to the Detroit Free-Press. “I’m going to use Zumaya, too, if the situation’s right,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. |
Our View: With the acquisition of Kyle Farnsworth, the Tigers are now in a full-fledged closer-by-committee situation. On any given night, Zumaya, Farnsworth or Fernando Rodney could get the call.
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| Updating progress on a report from earlier today, the Tigers now indicate reliever Joel Zumaya's triceps tightness now appears to be over. He was available on Monday, if needed, and the same stood for Tuesday, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Tigers manager Jim Leyland said again Tuesday that throwing curveballs seems to have been the cause of the tightness. Zumaya, however, needs to throw his curveball with some regularity in order to give hitters something to think about, besides sitting on his triple-digit fastball. Whatever the cause, it isn't expected to linger.
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| Michigan Live reports that after leaving Sunday's game with tightness in his triceps, Joel Zumaya says he is ready to go on Tuesday, but stopped short of saying he was 100%. "We don't know if it's nothing yet, but it felt fine. I took a little medicine. But you don't need to make a big deal out of it." |
Our View: The Tigers recently moved Fernando Rodney into the closer's role and if he were to show signs of being incapable of holding that spot, Zumaya would be next in line to get a shot.
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| Joel Zumaya left Sunday's battle with the White Sox in the eighth inning due to tightness in his right triceps, according to the AP. |
Our View: The Tigers consider Zumaya day-to-day as of now. We will keep you posted on his status.
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| Joel Zumaya was given a chance to close out the win for the Tigers Saturday. Whoops. The flamethrower served up a game-tying homer to Ramon Hernandez, and Detroit ultimately lost the game in the 10th. |
Our View: In fairness, Joel was mowing 'em down before giving up the tater, as he struck out four of the first five batters he faced. His ERA still sits at a nifty 1.77, but he has been prone to wildness (13 walks in 14 1/3 innings). It's possible Zumaya could see some more save opportunities in the second half if the Tigers realize that Todd Jones is, in fact, Todd Jones.
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| Joel Zumaya may become a starter at some point in the future, according to the Detroit Free Press. "I've been thinking about that, to be honest with you, but it's not something that I'd do right now," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland. |
Our View: Putting Zumaya in a starting role could be very interesting. It would clearly increase his value in fantasy baseball, although for the time being he should probably just be concerned with getting healthy.
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| Joel Zumaya is progressing as he works his way back to being the dominant set-up man he had been, as he hit 99 miles-per-hour on the radar gun on Monday against Minnesota, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Zumaya has had control problems in his five games since coming back, walking five batters in 5.1 innings while striking out only three. If he can regain his 2006 form, he is an asset in fantasy leagues.
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| Joel Zumaya continued to struggle with his control as he walked three batters in an inning of work on Wednesday night as fellow reliever Todd Jones picked up his third victory of the year. |
Our View: In 2.2 innings Zumaya has allowed two runs with two strikeouts and a costly five walks. Until he is able to locate that blazing fastball a bit better, he will be left to pitch earlier in games than he would like.
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| As previously reported, Joel Zumaya has been activated on Friday as the team designated Denny Bautista to make room on the roster, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The club has 10-days to decide what to do with Bautista, but the big news here is obviously the activation of the fireballing Zumaya. Look for him to move into the setup role in short order and to challenge for saves by the end of the year if he is healthy.
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| Joel Zumaya threw a successful side session Tuesday, and he will be activated from the DL on Friday when the Tigers travel to San Diego, according to MLB.com. He is coming back from right shoulder surgery. |
Our View: Joel has been hitting triple digits on the radar gun during his rehab, so it appears as though he's made a full recovery. He isn't likely to close this year, as Todd Jones has done nothing to lose his job, but he will be the early favorite to close next year if he shows he's his old self.
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| Joel Zumaya, who is rehabbing a surgically repaired right shoulder, won't pitch an inning for the Triple-A Mud Hens as expected in Tuesday's game with the Syracuse Chiefs, according to the Detroit News. Zumaya will throw a bullpen session instead.
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Our View: If all goes favorably, he could potentially join the Tigers for the weekend series against the Padres that begins June 20 in San Diego. He is worth acquiring if you have a spot for him, as he could end up the Tigers' closer at some point this season.
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| Joel Zumaya is on schedule to return to the Tigers in time for the clubs weekend series against the Padres, according to the Detroit News. Zumaya is schedule to throw 25 pitches on Monday night, and then throw an additional 25 pitches on Tuesday. |
Our View: If everything goes to plan Zumaya will be bringing the heat for the Tigers in no time, just as the Tigers offense is finally starting to kick things up a notch. Zumaya should be added in mixed leagues if he is still available considering he could end up in the closers role at some point in the second half.
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| The Tigers are tentatively planning to bring Joel Zumaya off the DL on Thursday, June 19, the Detroit News reports. The reliever is currently working at Triple-A Toledo as he recovers from right shoulder surgery. "I've had a good talk with Zumaya," manager Jim Leyland explains. "He's been totally honest with me. He says he needs 'a couple of more' rehab outings at Toledo. He didn't say he was ready. He said he needed a couple of more. He got a little fatigued the last time out... if he keeps getting fatigued, he'll stay down there." |
Our View: Fantasy owners will want to play this one safe, as Zumaya isn't going to be getting saves when he returns. We suggest waiting at least one more week before using him.
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| Joel Zumaya stated on Thursday that he reached 100 mph on the radar gun in a recent outing, according to the Detroit Free Press. That is amazing considering he was thinking about retirement following his shoulder surgery. |
Our View: His target date to return to the Tigers' pen is June 20, barring a setback in his recovery.
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| Updating an earlier story, Detroit reliever Joel Zumaya failed to impress in his fourth minor-league rehab start, leaving questions about plans to call him back to the majors on Friday, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Despite hitting 100 mph twice on the radar gun, he allowed two runs -- one earned -- on two hits and two walks in one inning and didn't record an out in his second inning of work in the Mud Hens' win over the Indianapolis Indians, the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate. Zumaya, who is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, threw 17 of his 34 pitches for strikes. He fell behind in the count against six of the eight batters he faced. However, after the game Zumaya reported no immediate pain or discomfort, leaving the door open for a possible return despite the minor setback.
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| Detroit manager Jim Leyland spoke with reporters in Chicago before their matchup with the White Sox and addressed the progress of relievers Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney, according to MLive.com. |
Our View: Leyland says both pitchers, working in rehab assignments with Triple-A Toledo, are progressing and could be available for return soon. Rodney is schedule to make an appearance on Friday and, according to Leyland, could return to the Tigers as early as Sunday, barring setback. Zumaya could return as early as Friday, just in time for interleague play.
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| MLB.com reports that manager Jim Leyland made the trip to Toledo on Sunday to observe Zumaya's recovery in person. Zumaya need just 11 pitches to retire three batters. His fastball topped out at 98 mph. "He's in the best shape I've ever seen him," Leyland said. "He looks absolutely tremendous. He looks great. He worked his tail off." |
Our View: Zumaya appears very close to returning for the Tigers. It is likely he returns to his set-up role but closing is not out of the question.
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| Joel Zumaya was sharp in his first rehab outing Tuesday at High-A Lakeland, throwing 24 pitches over two scoreless innings. He allowed a hit and a walk and struck out one while topping out at 101 MPH on the radar gun, according to MLB.com. The reliever is coming back from surgery to repair the A/C joint in his right shoulder. |
Our View: Manager Jim Leyland said over the weekend that Zumaya could be back with the club before the end of the month if all goes well.
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| Detroit manager Jim Leyland spoke with reporters today and, among other topics, addressed the status of pitchers Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney, according to the Detroit News. |
Our View: Leyland indicates that if the current path of these two hurlers stays straight, they will be back sometime during the month of June. The team had feared both relievers would miss extended time this season, but it appears Leyland is calm in suggesting otherwise. We will update with further news if/when it becomes available.
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| Joel Zumaya pitched in another extended spring-training game Monday, with less velocity, but nothing that concerned the Tigers, according to the Detroit News. Jim Leyland said, "Zumaya's velocity was a little different, but still pretty good." Instead of 97-98 miles an hour, which is what Zumaya reached on the gun last time out, he was in the 93-95 range.
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Our View: He is still hitting the 90's on his velocity, which is great, considering he is recovering from right shoulder surgery. It will still be the second half before we see Zumaya in the Tigers' bullpen.
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| Joel Zumaya threw in an extended spring training game Friday, the first game he's participated in since shoulder surgery. The results were very good, as he touched 98 MPH on the radar gun, according to MLB.com. He didn't complain of any pain after the session. |
Our View: No one could have predicted that Zumaya would have this kind of velocity already. Some thought he'd never reach the upper 90s again after the surgery. Needless to say, this is a very positive sign. It will be the second half before we see Zumaya in the Tigers bullpen.
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| Joel Zumaya will throw one inning of extended spring training action on Friday, the Detroit Free Press reports. That outing will help determine the next step as he recovers from right shoulder surgery. |
Our View: Fantasy owners can't start looking at the clock until Zumaya begins a 30-day minor league rehab assignment.
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| Joel Zumaya, coming off of shoulder surgery, has progressed to the point that he will throw batting practice early in the coming week, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Zumaya is still a long way away from contributing in Detroit, but he continues to progress quicker than expected and appears to be on pace to be a substantial contributor in the second half of the season.
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| Joel Zumaya threw a six minute session from the mound for the the Tigers on Thursday at the team's spring training complex, according to MLB.com. Zumaya was limited to fastballs and changeups in his first "intense" workout since his off-season shoulder surgery. |
Our View: No one knows just how Zumaya will be able to respond from his surgery as it isn't the type of procedure normally performed on baseball players. The team is hoping to have him back around the all-star break.
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| Joel Zumaya is playing catch off a mound and may begin light throwing to catchers soon. The Tigers hope he can begin full bullpen sessions in early May, MLB.com reports. Zumaya is still expected to miss roughly half the season following right shoulder surgery. |
Our View: Zumaya still has a chance to close games by the end of the season, but he has a lot of major steps between now and then. His main fantasy value resides in keeper leagues, as we're more confident about him feeling 100 percent come 2009.
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| Manager Jim Leyland commented that Joel Zumaya could begin throwing off a mound as early as this week, according to the Detroit Free Press. He is recovering from right shoulder surgery. |
Our View: This is favorable news as he previously wasn't believed to start throwing off a mound until May. He will fight for playing time out of the Tigers' bullpen when he returns, but his fantasy value remains low.
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| Joel Zumaya is progressing favorably from his shoulder surgery, according to the Detroit News. Team trainer Kevin Rand commented, "He's up to 120 feet with his throws. He's been on schedule for the most part. At times he's been a day ahead, at times he's been a day behind but pretty much right on it. But he's still working on building up his arm strength, which appears to be pretty good. I'm pleased with his progress." Manager Leyland added, "He's firing the ball, I can tell you that. Even when we were there, he was throwing pretty good. He's doing well to my knowledge. He feels good and his arm feels good. But that's another one we can't get greedy about. He's like everybody else on the DL to me. There's no sense talking about them because it's a waste of time. That's just the way I am. I have other issues to think about." Zumaya could begin pitching off a mound in May.
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| Joel Zumaya has been placed on the 15-day DL, according to the Detroit News. Zumaya is recovering from shoulder surgery, and is expected to be sidelined until midseason.
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| Joel Zumaya threw the ball 45 times from 60 feet Tuesday, and the reliever was pleased with the way he felt. "I threw it 60 feet with ease,'' Zumaya said to MLive.com. "I felt like I had just made the team.'' He will play catch every other day for the next few weeks. The Tigers aren't sure when they'll have Zumaya, who's coming back from shoulder surgery, throw off a mound, and they're not even thinking about setting a return date yet. He'll likely be out at least until the All-Star break. |
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| Joel Zumaya, like teammate Gary Sheffield, had major surgery last October on his right shoulder. According to the Detroit Free Press, like Sheffield, Zumaya is among the early arrivals at the Tigers’ spring-training camp, which officially opens Friday.
Unlike Sheffield, Zumaya won’t be ready for the start of the regular season. The right-hander doesn’t even know when he will throw for the first time since the surgery. And he’s working on an emotional rebound, let alone the physical one.
“I’m on a mission,” he said. “Mark my words, I’ll be back, and I’ll be able to do what I’ve been doing.”
Zumaya acknowledges that because of the shoulder surgery, he might never again throw 103 mph. His days of owning the majors’ fastest fastball, the one measured in triple digits, might have been stolen forever by his shoulder damage. A timetable for the return of the Tigers hard-thrower has not been determined.
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| The Tigers have gotten some good news regarding Joel Zumaya and his surgically repaired right shoulder. Dr. Heinz Hoenecke reviewed images of the shoulder with Zumaya and his father Monday and said that he believed Zumaya will make a complete recovery, according to the Detroit Free Press. This does not change Zumaya's return date, which is expected to be around midseason next year, but the pitcher sounded confident in his ability to come back and be the same pitcher he was before the injury. "I believe a miracle happened," Zumaya said. "I have no doubt that we're going to be fine." |
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| Those hoping the Tigers would hand Joel Zumaya the closer job in 2008 will have to wait. The team announced Thursday that the right-hander underwent surgery Wednesday to repair the AC joint in his right shoulder, according to the Tigers website. Zumaya will rest for six weeks before beginning a rehab program. The Tigers are hopeful he'll be ready to return to action around the All-Star break next year, but nothing is set in stone. This news likely means the club will make a stronger push to bring back Todd Jones, who is now a free agent. |
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| Joel Zumaya was forced out of Monday's game with a finger problem, but luckily, the issue was with the nail, not the tendon, according to the Detroit Free Press. The issue isn't considered serious. Zumaya would likely have been available to pitch the second game of yesterday's doubleheader, but he wasn't needed. |
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| Joel Zumaya is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in five appearances since returning from the disabled list, the Detroit Free Press reports. "He's fine," Jim Leyland said. "He's just going to have to be patient with himself. The arm strength is not there totally yet, and it might not be until next year." |
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| Joel Zumaya took the loss Thursday in his second game off the disabled list, allowing three runs in the tenth inning. He's coming back from a ruptured tendon in his right middle finger. |
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| Joel Zumaya is slated to return to action on Tuesday and will immediately resume his late-inning duties. "(Fernando) Rodney would pitch the eighth inning (on Tuesday)," manager Jim Leyland told the Detroit Free Press. "I'll break Zumaya in. But I'm not going to use him as a long man. Obviously he's coming back because he's ready to pitch, and if he's ready to pitch, I'm going to put him in there." Zumaya has been out of action for 3 1/2 months due to a ruptured tendon in his right middle finger, but it's safe to get him back into your lineups now. |
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| If everything goes well for Joel Zumaya in his third minor league rehab appearance – on Saturday at Triple-A Toledo – he’ll be activated from the disabled list in time for Tuesday’s series opener against Cleveland. “Everything for him is on schedule,” manager Jim Leyland told the Detroit News. |
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| Joel Zumaya had a strong appearance at Triple-A Wednesday, retiring the side on seven pitches in the eighth inning, the Detroit Free Press reports. He clocked as high as 99 mph on the radar gun with an average of 96 on five fastballs. He's coming back from a finger injury. |
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| Joel Zumaya is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Monday with Triple-A Toledo. He's coming back from a finger injury, according to the AP. |
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| As expected, Joel Zumaya tossed a 25-pitch simulated game on Friday. "I felt really good," Zumaya told the Detroit Free Press. "Everything came out fine." So long as his surgically repaired finger responds well this weekend, he should head out on a rehab assignment early next week. The schedule would have him make three appearances with a day of rest between each. That means he could come off the disabled list as soon as Aug. 21. |
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| Joel Zumaya will pitch to a live batter during a bullpen session on Friday. According to the Tigers official website, Zumaya could head out on a minor league rehab assignment as soon as Monday if everything goes well on Friday. |
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| There is still no timetable for the return of Joel Zumaya, who is recovering from a finger injury, according to the AP. Zumaya threw on Sunday, and he just recently received clearance to resume throwing his curveball. |
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| Joel Zumaya, out with a finger injury, has been given clearance to resume throwing his curveball, according to the Detroit News. "He can start throwing his curveball," Leyland said. That doesn't mean, though, his return can be targeted yet for any specific date. We're still taking it step by step. But he's chomping at the bit. We have to be careful of that." Even though there is still no timetable for Zumaya's return, this is still an encouraging sign. |
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| Joel Zumaya threw off a mound before Monday's game and reported no problems, according to the AP. "I felt really good," he said. Manager Jim Leyland said he was told that Zumaya's right hand has 99 percent of the strength of his healthy left hand. |
Our View: He won't be back until at least mid-August, but this is encouraging news.
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| Joel Zumaya played catch again on Tuesday and said his middle finger, which had a dislocated tendon on May 3, felt fine, the AP reports. "My finger feels great," Zumaya said. "It's just retaining my arm strength now." Zumaya nonetheless isn't considered close to a return. |
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| Joel Zumaya, who has been on the DL since May 3 after dislocating a tendon in the middle finger of his right hand, played catch with teammate Fernando Rodney, who is also on the DL with an arm injury, from about 20 feet on Thursday, according to the AP. Zumaya said the ball felt good in his hand as he gripped one in the clubhouse Thursday, but added he won't know how well the tendon is healing until he tries to flex the finger while snapping off harder pitches. "If it feels good (Thursday), I am going to go 110 percent toward getting back," Zumaya said. |
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| According to Tigers trainer Kevin Rand, the latest exam on Joel Zumaya's right middle finger "went very well." "He's still on our previous time schedule and will be able to initiate his throwing program after the All-Star break," Rand told the Detroit News. However, it's still unclear as to when Zumaya will be ready to return to the mound for the Tigers. |
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| Joel Zumaya got an encouraging report Monday during a follow-up with the doctor who performed his finger surgery. According to the Detroit Free Press, Zumaya's right middle finger has healed quicker than expected, and the reliever has been cleared to start a throwing program. Zumaya will start playing catch as soon as Tuesday and could begin a regimented rehab program after the All-Star break. |
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| The Tigers may not get Joel Zumaya until the last month of the regular season. "I was expecting to come back in August, but I'll probably be back in September," Zumaya told the Detroit Free Press. More should be known about an updated timetable for his return once he has his surgically repaired finger examined further on Monday. |
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| Joel Zumaya hopes to be back on the mound in six weeks. "If it all goes good and I'm 100 percent, I’ll give myself six weeks from now," Zumaya told the Detroit News. The reliever rejoined the Tigers on Tuesday after having the cast removed from his middle finger, which had been operated on because of a ruptured tendon. A six week return would have him back in the Tigers bullpen in early August, but just last week manager Jim Leyland expressed doubt about whether Zumaya would pitch at all again this season, so take the optimistic words of the Guitar Hero with a grain of salt. |
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| Tigers manager Jim Leyland does not expect Joel Zumaya to pitch again for the team this season, according to the AP. "The reports are that Joel Zumaya will be back in August," Leyland said Friday. "However I'm not in any way, shape or form counting on that, and it would not surprise me if he was not ready to pitch before the season is over." Zumaya had surgery in mid-May to repair a ruptured tendon in his right middle finger. At the time, he was expected to miss three months. |
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| Joel Zumaya is expected to be out for 12 weeks because of a ruptured tendon in his middle right finger, according to the AP. He hurt himself while warming up Saturday night at Kansas City. Zumaya was examined Monday in New York by Dr. Charles Melone, who was scheduled to perform surgery Thursday. |
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| Joel Zumaya had an MRI taken yesterday and will be examined by a hand specialist in New York today, according to the Detroit Free Press. He was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a strained right middle finger. "It's really swollen right now," he said after Sunday's game. "I have sharp pain in it." Manager Jim Leyland appeared prepared for Zumaya to be out for a while, saying, "I would guess it's not very good. I don't think this is going to be a very good situation. But I'm hoping I get a pleasant surprise." |
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| Joel Zumaya strained his right middle finger while warming up on Saturday, according to the Detroit Free Press. The injury was bad enough that the Tigers placed him on the disabled list and added Aquilino Lopez to the roster. The club didn't set a timetable for his return. |
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| Joel Zumaya doesn't believe that playing "Guitar Hero" caused his late-season forearm problems, so he has continued to play the game, according to the Detroit Press. "They had a tough time trying to find out what was wrong with my arm," Zumaya said, "and I told them I was playing this guitar game. I don't believe that's what it was, and to tell you the truth, I haven't stopped playing it. A lot of people have criticized me and told me, 'Joel, put it away.' But I'm still going to play it. Just not as often." Zumaya noted that he thought his arm problems were caused by gripping the ball too hard. |
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| Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski told WXYT-AM on Wednesday that the team had concluded Joel Zumaya's right wrist and forearm inflammation in the postseason resulted from playing a video game, not from his powerful throwing motion, according to the Detroit Free Press. Zumaya apparently was playing "Guitar Hero" too often, strumming away on the guitar-shaped control. |
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| Making his first World Series appearance, Joel Zumaya walked consecutive batters in the seventh inning Tuesday night and made a wild throw past third base that allowed two runners to score on the play. His velocity was fine after not pitching in a game since Game 1 of the ALCS, but he did have control problems. |
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| Joel Zumaya, who was limited to one inning in the ALCS because of a problem with his right wrist, appears to be healthy and available for the World Series, according to the AP. "Everything is going great," Zumaya said. "I threw 15 pitches (Wednesday) and I'm 100 percent. I told you guys I'd be 100 percent for the World Series, and I am." |
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| Joel Zumaya, who is dealing with swelling in his wrist, threw Saturday for the first time since Wednesday, according to the Detroit News. "Joel’s pain-free," trainer Kevin Rand said. "He stretched out for long toss out to 120 (feet) with no problems." The Tigers don't play again until the World Series begins Saturday, so the added rest should only help him. |
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| Joel Zumaya again was not available on Friday due to the inflammation in his right wrist, according to the Detroit News. It appears unlikely that he will play today, despite receiving laser treatment yesterday. "I will not pick up a ball until I feel 100 percent," he said. The Tigers are up 3-0 on the A's, so expect them to be cautious with their fireballer. |
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| The Detroit News reports that Joel Zumaya was not available to pitch last night due to tightness in his right forearm. "I chose not to use him," manager Jim Leyland said. "That's why you didn't see him." |
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| Joel Zumaya returned to action on Sunday after missing a week with tendinitis in his wrist. He pitched 1 1/3 innings and allowed three hits and one earned run, with three strikeouts and one walk. He was clocked as high as 102 mph on the radar gun. |
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| Joel Zumaya, who has been bothered by tendinitis in his pitching wrist, will be sidelined longer than the Tigers had hoped, according to the AP. The rookie had planned to return for Friday's series opener, but said that his wrist felt weak when he threw. |
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| Joel Zumaya has a sprained right wrist and won't be available for a few days, according to the AP. "He has a tendinitis in his right wrist, which is causing some tightness in his forearm," team trainer Kevin Rand said Tuesday. A doctor examined Zumaya on Monday and gave him a cortisone shot. He will not pick up a baseball until at least Friday. |
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