We Got Wood - 43.47 - Rocha Injury Throws Wrench In Plans

[7teen]

After a 16-12 month of April, things appeared going as good as could hope for in Portland to start the 2043 season. But things have come collapsing down in May. An 8-15 month littered with poor hitting performances has now put the team down in the standings and under the .500 mark. The bad month is now highlighted by another bad break as #1 starter Pedro Rocha has suffered an injury that will force him to miss the next 2 months of the season.

"This is a devastating blow to us" said Portland Assistant General Manager Ted Dunn. "We are in it to be more competitive this season. We had, and still do, have eyes on the division and staying at or near the top. We want to be up there with the San Ferandos, Hawaiis, and Sacramentos of the division. We are making moves to try and improve now. Losing Rocha definitely throws a wrench into those plans."

Aside from 1 hiccup start and a lot of no decisions on the season, Rocha was showing himself to be a true #1 pitcher in Portland this season. He posted a 1.82 ERA in April and was holding strong at 2-2 on the season with a 2.91 ERA and 0.88 WHIP. He was on pace for a WAR near 5.0 on the season. That all changed when he felt some soreness in his elbow just 5 pitches in to his start Wednesday night against San Fernando at the Trail in Multnomah.

Rocha allowed back to back base hits to start the game and immediately signaled over to the dugout for trainer Zachary Asquith. "Something just didn't feel right" said Rocha after the game. "I felt good in warm-ups, but got on the mound and faced a couple of guys and it just got real sore."

Asquith diagnosed the injury as Acute Elbow Soreness which could take as long as 6 to 8 weeks to work itself out. There is an option for surgery which won't prolong the recovery time but all avenues for a healthy return for Pedro are being examined. The Lumberjacks fan base and management now hold it's collective breath hoping that their $110 million off-season investment, and the team's season, aren't in jeopardy.