John Thomson injured his right middle finger and will miss three months of the season.
While the initial diagnosis was a strained tendon flexor, the first-place Braves worried it was much worse. An MRI confirmed their fears, showing the right-hander actually has a partial tear to the supporting structure around the tendon.
Surgery won’t be required, but it will be at least a month before Thomson can pick up a baseball to begin his rehabilitation.
This is more bad news for the Braves. Kolb is out as the closer, and now they’re down one starting pitcher. With four teams within 1 1/2 games of the NL East lead, the Braves appear to be in for a real fight for the division this season. On the positive side, Hampton, Smoltz and Hudson are as good as any starting three in the NL.
Hampton is also nursing an injury. Hudson is struggling vs. LHs. Smoltz must feel like the Lone Ranger. Kolb is out as closer but it is not as if the Braves have viable options galore waiting in the wings (or on the pine). Rietsma has struggled his last two outings and the rest of the bullpen has been up and down.
I’m not sure why Mondesi is keeping Francouer at AA or Andy Marte in AAA. Jordan has been surprisingly effective and Langerhans appears to be a good 4th OF. Furcal’s OBP is under .300 and even Bobby Cox must be tempted to drop in the batting order by now.
I think the Marlins are the team to beat. Braves, Mets, Phillies and Nationals may vie for WC.
well, getting a 5th guy/ new closer is REALLY gonna test leo’s HOF credentials…
but ain’t NO way I’m bettin against leo…