Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Tom Gorzelanny is expected to return to the active roster on Friday. The left-hander has not appeared in a game since May 7 against the Texas Rangers.
The 30-year-old was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 11 with tendinitis in his left shoulder. It was certainly a rare occurrence, as Gorzelanny is known for never getting injured. In fact, in the nine years he has appeared in the big leagues he has only spent time on the disabled list twice. Obviously, it is unfamiliar waters for him, but he was able to work through the process and should be ready to be back in the bullpen soon.
Gorzelanny threw 20 pitches during live batting practice on Tuesday. He utilized every single pitch in his arsenal and said that his shoulder felt fine afterwards.
The Brewers have been cautious regarding Gorzelanny’s return to the 25-man roster. There is no reason to rush him back earlier than necessary considering it is only the second month of the season. Even if Milwaukee has struggled mightily over the past few weeks, bringing him back before he is ready is not going to benefit anyone. Gorzelanny has been a very big part of the bullpen in 2013, which is more reason to be absolutely positive he is healthy enough to return to his reliever role.
“He can go long for us, he can get out lefties,” manager Ron Roenicke said, according to Brewers.com. “Right before he got hurt he was mainly coming in late in the game and going through one or two lefties in that lineup and really pitching.”
Gorzelanny is 1-0 with a 2.30 earned run average, 10 strikeouts and six holds in 15 2/3 innings this season.
