Ryan Madson might not be ready for Opening Day

 

        Ryan Madson, recovering from Tommy John surgery, suffered a setback during a February bullpen session and is "doubtful" for opening day, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

       Madson, 32, suffered a torn UCL in late Feburary last season and didn't appear in a single game for the Reds. He underwent Tommy John surgery on April 11 and was on track to return sometime between opening day and mid-April 2013. Although Madson said such setbacks are often normal for those rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, he's still disappointed and called his chances of returning for the opener "very doubtful."

      Madson nearly had a four-year, $44 million deal with the Phillies before the 2012 season, but talks unraveled and he was forced to take a one-year, $8.5 million deal with Cincinnati. After missing the entire 2012 season, he signed an incentive-laden $3.5 million deal to pitch for the Angels in 2013.(CBS)

I don't feel like this is a bad thing because we have depth in the bullpen this year. Also having Frieri to close games at the beginning of the season is not a bad option. I'm very positive that Madson will be pitching this season but I do understand that he will have some tough games at the beginning but overall he will be fine. However, if not he could always be a setup man for Frieri.


Also on a side note I have heard that Frieri learn a new pitch which is a change up. This is a very good pitch for him because he has a very nice fastball and what better pitch then a change up to balance it out.