Brandon Lyon Out For The Season

by David Coleman on Jun 22, 2011 9:10 PM CDT in Houston Astros News

Generally, when a player is reported to have a rotator cuff tear, that's bad. Sometimes, non-surgery can provide a solution and the player will rehab, but almost always, there's significant time lost. So, when Brandon Lyon initially went on the disabled list with a partially torn rotator cuff, but then came back off it less than a month later, I was a bit surprised.

Turns out, he probably shouldn't have come off the DL in the first place, as Lyon got hit hard in three appearances after the injury and is now shut down for the rest of the season. He's supposed to meet with the famous Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham to review his options with surgery.

This news marks the end of a very down season for Lyon. Houston GM Ed Wade took quite a bit of flak for signing Lyon to a three-year, $15 million deal two winters ago. That was followed by a somewhat rocky beginning, as the 35-year old right-hander had to immediately go on the disabled list and miss the beginning of the 2010 season with a cyst in his throwing shoulder. Signed as the closer heading into that season, Lyon was replaced early on by former Marlins reliever Matt Lindstrom.

Lyon was excellent in his setup role, throwing efficiently and not giving up runs. Unfortunately, Lindstrom couldn't hold onto the closer's role because of injuries and wildness, leaving the door open for Lyon to slide back into the ninth inning. He took advantage and closed the season strong, saving 20 games by the end of 2010.

This season has not been so kind, as Lyon was rocked to begin the season in Philadelphia and has never really recovered. With two shoulder injuries in two seasons with the Astros, we also have to start asking if he can be counted on at any time in the 2012 season.

No word yet on what the Astros intend to do, but since Lyon was already on the disabled list, it stands to reason that no roster moves are imminent. If the Astros do decide to make a move, it'd probably be to promote young fireballer David Carpenter and pair him with Mark Melancon and Wilton Lopez at the end of the bullpen.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

It would open a 40 man roster spot, if we 60 day DL him, right? That could be interesting.

by MadMartygan on Jun 22, 2011 9:14 PM CDT reply actions

Man wouldn't it be ironic if Carpenter turned into something

These something for nothing deals (Feliz for Carpenter, Kevin Cash for Angel Sanchez) appear to be Wade’s specialty.

by Patrick Harrel on Jun 22, 2011 10:21 PM CDT reply actions

so how hard does he throw?

The owners remind me of the fat nerdy kid on the block with all of the cool toys. And if you dont let him win he takes his toys and goes home.

by BRASO on Jun 22, 2011 10:54 PM CDT reply actions

Lyon's has always been inconsistant and pitches to contact

I didnt understand the signing from the get go. He is not a closer or a set up man Lyon should be middle relief to eat innings

by Nado2036 on Jun 22, 2011 11:03 PM CDT reply actions

I agree. 15 mil was a lot to spend on a guy like that.

by MadMartygan on Jun 22, 2011 11:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Whenever the pitcher tries the “rest and rehab” approach to elbow/shoulder injuries, doesn’t it always seem to end up with surgery later? Since no one wants to go under the knife, I can understand why players want to try the non-surgical first. I wonder why the Astros were pushing so hard for Lyons’ return to the team? He could have had more rehab starts. And if he had, the state of his injury might have become apparent before he returned to the major league team.

As I understand it, the surgery is unusual because the nature of Lyon’s injury is rare. Lyon got a second opinion while in LA from the originator of Tommy John surgery. I wonder if that affects the liklihood of returning as a ML pitcher?

In any event, if Lyons can recover adequately from the surgery, we’ll probably see him attempting a return to the bullpen next year.

by clack on Jun 23, 2011 7:22 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Yep, it seems like that is usually the case. Well, I hope his surgery goes well and he can contribute next year. I’d also like to mention that it seems like every time an expensive reliever is signed to a multi year deal(this isn’t limited to the Astros) there are injury issues. I think the heavy workload that gets a reliever that deal wears them out.

by MadMartygan on Jun 23, 2011 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions

The worry is that with surgery, the actual injury is more likely to heal, but there is more scar tissue created. Especially, with the rotator cuff because of the many tissues that are in the area. Obviously we don’t know where the actual tear is and the rotator cuff consists of four muscles that alone creates lots of scenarios. So, you have a lot of possibilites for scar tissue depending on the muscle and location, that could contribute to permanent loss of range of motion via impingement, which is really small, but for a pitcher could be significant.

by Subber10 on Jun 23, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I like the way wade has stocked up young arms.

Now we can see one of them.

Texas. Gods favorite country.

by CoolBreeze3 on Jun 23, 2011 8:33 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Man I knew about the partially torn rotator cuff but knowing now exactly how bad his

arm and shoulder have been screwed up, no wonder he performed as shitty as he did. I’ll give the credit for trying to play through it but he also cost his teammates several extra wins which is frustrating. Maybe he get repaired and comeback healthier and stronger since we’ll need a veteran long reliever next year.

by StrosSouth on Jun 23, 2011 4:22 PM CDT reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

The Importance of George Springer

by ntn 12 days ago

27 comments | 2 recs

Recent FanPosts

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Current Series

3 game series vs Dodgers @ Dodger Stadium

Fri 05/25	WP: Lucas Harrell (4 - 3) SV: Brett Myers LP: Clayton Kershaw (4 - 2)	3 - 1 win
Sat 05/26	WP: Kenley Jansen (4 - 0) LP: Wesley Wright (0 - 1)	3 - 6 loss
Houston Astros The Crawfish Boxes @ Los Angeles Dodgers True Blue LA Sunday, May 27, 2012, 3:10 PM CDT Dodger Stadium J.A. Happ vs Chris Capuano Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to right field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75. Complete Coverage >

NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Cincinnati Red Reporter	26	20	.565	0	Won 1
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	25	22	.531	1.5	Lost 3
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	22	24	.478	4	Lost 1
Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	22	24	.478	4	Won 2
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	19	27	.413	7	Lost 1
Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue	15	31	.326	11	Lost 11