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Professional baseball

Duane Ward's Return to the Mound Hinges on Recovery from Tendinitis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Duane Ward has been sidelined since January due to tendinitis in his throwing arm. Despite some promising progress in simulated games, his return to the mound remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways:

  • Duane Ward has been struggling with tendinitis in his throwing arm since January, affecting his ability to pitch.
  • He has thrown batting practice in simulated games, including a session at the SkyDome, throwing against reserve infielder Domingo Cedeno.
  • Pitching coach Galen Cisco believes Ward threw harder than in previous sessions, with some pitches reaching 85-87 miles per hour.
  • Cisco is cautious about predicting Ward's return, citing past setbacks and the importance of his arm responding well to rest and treatment.
  • The bullpen has been struggling, with the team's earned-run average (ERA) standing at 5.38 to rank 10th in the American League.
  • Pitching coach Galen Cisco emphasizes the need for consistency and making better pitches in high-pressure situations.

Statistics:

  • Duane Ward had 45 saves in the previous season.
  • The Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen ERA is 5.38, ranking them 10th in the American League.
  • The team's ERA in last April was 4.80, in May it was 4.50, and in August 1992 it was 5.93.

Sources:

  • "No one knows when Duane Ward will be able to return" by LARRY MILLSON, Toronto ONT -- BY LARRY MILLSON Sport Reporter TORONTO
  • LARRY MILLSON, Toronto ONT -- BY LARRY MILLSON Sport Reporter TORONTO

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