Minnesota Twins SP Kevin Slowey has wrist strain

July 4, 2009 @ 01:00:00

By Jared Byrd
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

The Minnesota Twins have placed starting pitcher Kevin Slowey (wrist) on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained right wrist he suffered while pitching against the Detroit Tigers Friday, May 3. He lasted only three innings and gave up a season-high six runs on five hits and said after the game that his ailing wrist made it difficult to hold on to the ball.

The injury means Slowey, who was attempting to become the first 11-game winner in the majors this season, will be unavailable for the All-Star Game. He is expected to visit a doctor Monday, July 6, before further action is taken. Pitching coach Rick Anderson said the team was unaware of any problem he had with his wrist before he left the game.

This is Slowey's second career trip to the disabled list. Last season, he was sidelined by a strained right biceps. A right wrist injury prevented him from pitching in the team's one-game playoff against the Chicago White Sox last year. No word on whether that and the current ailment are related.

The Twins recalled Anthony Swarzak from Triple-A Rochester to take Slowey's place on the 25-man roster. Swarzak, who was 2-2 with a 3.90 ERA in five starts earlier this year, will pitch out of the bullpen before taking Slowey's turn in the starting rotation.

Many fantasy owners rightfully expected a breakout season from Slowey based on his outstanding command. Despite a 4.86 ERA that was slowly escalating, he's tied for the big league lead with 10 victories and remains every bit worth stashing until more is known. Perhaps taking care of this injury will help him rein in his normally stellar control; he allowed 10 walks in June after five combined in April and May.

Swarzak is one of the club's better pitching prospects, with a very good low-90s fastball and a sharp curve. AL managers should pounce on him if he's available, and mixed leaguers, at least those in the deep versions, should consider it. He's backed by a great defense and a good lineup, and there's no telling how long Slowey will be out.

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Jared Byrd
Byrd has served as a Hot Off the Wire Analyst with KFFL since 2003, covering both the NFL and MLB. A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he has played fantasy football since 1997, and fantasy baseball, basketball, and hockey since 2001.

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