News
Shoulder tendinitis ends Mazzaro's year
Tomko out with right arm issue, may not pitch again this season
By Eric Gilmore / Special to MLB.com
09/17/09 9:16 PM ET
OAKLAND -- Rookie pitcher Vin Mazzaro's season is over and veteran starter Brett Tomko has probably thrown his last pitch this year, as well, A's manager Bob Geren said before Thursday night's game against Cleveland.Mazzaro has right shoulder tendinitis and hasn't pitched since Aug. 29, when he threw five innings against the Angels. Tomko has a nerve problem in his right arm. Dana Eveland will take Tomko's place in the rotation on Sunday against Cleveland with Edgar Gonzalez starting Monday against Texas.
According to Geren, Mazzaro will receive treatment but won't throw at all the rest of the season. The A's, he said, will "be conservative with him when he starts his throwing program" in the offseason.
"We all feel he'll be feeling great, he'll have a solid throwing program this winter and he'll be ready to go in the spring," Geren said.
Mazzaro won his first two games after being called up in June from Triple-A Sacramento. He beat the White Sox and Orioles and didn't allow an earned run in 13 2/3 innings. After that, he lost eight times before winning again on Aug. 7.
"It's not fun being hurt," Mazzaro said. "This is the first time I've missed a start since I started [pitching]."
Mazzaro said his goal is to "get to where I was to start the season and be ready for next season."
Mazzaro finished his rookie year 4-9 with a 5.32 ERA in 17 starts and 91 1/3 innings.
"He showed a lot of ability, had some great games at times, had a few struggles," Geren said. "Overall, a good learning experience. He's a better pitcher now than when the season started and he's going to be better for it next year."
Tomko has been much better than expected since coming to the A's after being waived by the Yankees. Tomko is 4-1 with a 2.95 ERA with the Athletics. He threw a five-hit shutout Wednesday against Texas, striking out three and walking none.
"He pitched great," Geren said of Tomko, "especially this last game."
Geren said there is a "slight chance" that Tomko could pitch again this season.
Tomko was not at Thursday night's game. He was with his wife, Linda, who is pregnant with twins.
Eric Gilmore is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
