Elbow injuries have eaten pitchers alive this season in MLB.
The number of hurlers suffering ligament damage or flexor tendon strains is growing by the day.
Of them, Cleveland Guardians young starter Gavin Williams was getting closer to a return to action.
He originally suffered elbow discomfort after a weighted ball workout on March 10, and was immediately shut down.
He was completing steps towards returning: mound work, live batting practice, and others, but will now have to cease throwing again for a few days after suffering renewed discomfort.
“Gavin Williams experienced a recurrence of elbow soreness after his most recent outing. He’ll get an injection and be shut down for seven days before resuming his throwing program,” Guardians insider Zack Meisel tweeted.
That certainly qualifies as tough news for Guardians fans, who are on a high note after their team has won five straight games and eight of their last nine.
To embark on a deep, meaningful and fruitful postseason run, Cleveland needs all their top pitchers and that certainly includes Williams.
The right-hander knew how to make a strong impression as a rookie last year, with a 3.29 ERA in 82 innings.
The Guardians haven’t offered details of how long will it take for him to return, but after this setback, it sure won’t be anytime soon.
The team should prioritize long-term health over short-term needs, so there is a chance we won’t see him back for at least a few more weeks.
In the meantime, Carlos Carrasco and Ben Lively, who have been pitching very well, are expected to remain in the rotation.
