Braves to be without Thomson for 2-to-3 months

Tommy · 05-19-05, 03:00 PM

Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Braves will be without starting pitcher John Thomson for the next two-to-three months because of a partial tear of the supporting structures surrounding the flexor tendon in his right middle finger.

General manager John Schuerholz, who made the announcement during a conference call with reporters on Thursday, said that surgery would not be necessary.

"That is some good news when you can avoid surgery," Schuerholz said. "It is a rare injury, an unusual case. It's not something that happens very often. The delay in the ultimate final prognosis was because it was so unusual and so rare. The good news is that the flexor tendon is not compromised."

Thomson, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, suffered the injury in the fifth inning of his team's 5-3 loss to the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on Monday. After tossing a 1-0 fastball to Mark Loretta, Thomson's finger popped so loud that first baseman Adam LaRoche heard it. He immediately doubled over in pain and was quickly attended to by head athletic trainer Jeff Porter and manager Bobby Cox.

The 31-year-old righthander is 3-2 on the season with a 3.42 earned run average in eight starts. Since last year's All-Star break, though, Thomson is 11-3 with a 2.85 ERA.

For his career, Thomson is 59-73 with a 4.65 ERA in 187 games with the Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Braves.

Triple-A Richmond prospect Kyle Davies is expected to be called up to make Saturday's start against Boston.

05/19 14:44:05 ET

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05-19-05, 03:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tommy Now go get your shinebox Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sportscapper Island Posts: 15,082	Braves to be without Thomson for 2-to-3 months Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Braves will be without starting pitcher John Thomson for the next two-to-three months because of a partial tear of the supporting structures surrounding the flexor tendon in his right middle finger. General manager John Schuerholz, who made the announcement during a conference call with reporters on Thursday, said that surgery would not be necessary. "That is some good news when you can avoid surgery," Schuerholz said. "It is a rare injury, an unusual case. It's not something that happens very often. The delay in the ultimate final prognosis was because it was so unusual and so rare. The good news is that the flexor tendon is not compromised." Thomson, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, suffered the injury in the fifth inning of his team's 5-3 loss to the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on Monday. After tossing a 1-0 fastball to Mark Loretta, Thomson's finger popped so loud that first baseman Adam LaRoche heard it. He immediately doubled over in pain and was quickly attended to by head athletic trainer Jeff Porter and manager Bobby Cox. The 31-year-old righthander is 3-2 on the season with a 3.42 earned run average in eight starts. Since last year's All-Star break, though, Thomson is 11-3 with a 2.85 ERA. For his career, Thomson is 59-73 with a 4.65 ERA in 187 games with the Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Braves. Triple-A Richmond prospect Kyle Davies is expected to be called up to make Saturday's start against Boston. 05/19 14:44:05 ET powered by www.sportsnetwork.com.
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