Brandon Lyon Out With Rotator Cuff Injury

Added on May 06, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

An MRI has revealed multiple injuries to Astros closer Brandon Lyon’s pitching arm. Biceps tendinitis and a partial tear of his rotator cuff has landed him on the 15-day disabled list. Lyon has been struggling with control and a loss in velocity on his fastball. After giving up four hits and three runs in a blown save on Wednesday, manager Brad Mills called for further examination on his ace reliever.

Lyon has failed to convert four of eight save opportunities and is saddled with a 7.15 ERA in only 11 1/3 innings pitched. His fastball has been in decline for a while, which indicated a bigger problem.

“I’m sure it’s all tied together,” Mills said. “When you get in a situation where the shoulder is a little weak and maybe he doesn’t have the strength in the shoulder, he starts compensating in other areas.”

The 31-year-old Lyon joined the Astros in 2010 — his fifth team in nine seasons — and went 20 for 22 in save chances with a 3.12 ERA. He has 78 career saves and a record of 36-42 in 465 total appearances.

Despite not needing surgery to repair the tear, it’s likely he will miss more than 15 days. The rotator cuff will heal on its own, but the tendinitis is a chronic issue which might take additional recovery time.

Mark Melancon will immediately step into the closer’s role. In 18 games this season, he has a 2-1 record with an ERA of 1.72. Melancon has yet to register a save in two years, but will get every opportunity to prove he can be a reliable stopper. Should he not perform, either Wilton Lopez or Jose Valdez could get the call.

It’s been a rough 2011 thus far for Houston. At 12-19, they sit at the bottom of the NL Central, 5.5 games behind the division-leading Cardinals. They rank a respectable 7th in team batting, but are dead last in team pitching with a 4.99 ERA and a league worst four saves.

Source: ESPN.com