Last off-season, the Portland Lumberjacks rolled the dice and signed Derrick "Crash Test" Chaney to a 3-year contract. The reason the signing was such a risk was that at the time of the signing, Chaney was still rehabbing from a torn UCL that was going to force him to miss half of the 2058 season. After he returned a year ago, Chaney struggled ever getting it going. Ultimately he finished last season appearing in 34 games posting a 4.54 ERA and a not-so-good -0.8 WAR.
With a full off-season to get back on track, Chaney and the Lumberjacks were optimistic he could return to the form he had shown for over a decade. He appeared on that track. In 13 outings in the spring, he allowed just 1 earned run while posting an ERA and WHIP below 1.00. But it just wasn't meant to be. In Portland's opening day contest versus San Fernando, Chaney was the first reliever called upon to pitch in the 8th inning, taking over for starter Alaric Wullenweber. Chaney retired the first batter on a ground out before surrendering a double and a single. With the tying run at 3rd and the go ahead run at 2B, Chaney forced Dale Olds into a ground ball to 1B. Ohayashi managed to hold the runner at 3rd and force the runner out at 2B to preserve the lead. But unfortunately, Chaney felt something off in his shoulder.
"We'll know more after the doctors look at it" commented manager Mons Raider whose press conference must have lasted an hour or more on opening day with all that happened. "I mean at this point, we really just don't know. I had it for Derrick. He's worked hard to try and get back after missing most of the last two seasons with the UCL injury. It's just tough."
MRI's on the shoulder showed inflammation in the shoulder area. "We're looking at several months" said team trainer Chris Gilmore. "On the optimistic side, he could be back before the all-star break. On the back side, it could be July or August before he's fully able to pitch again. I mean, this is the way of it for a 38 year old pitcher."
Chaney's unfortunate circumstances are a bright spot for someoone else. It appears 21 year old prospect Erasmo Gonzalez will fill Chaney's roster spot. Gonzalez pitched in spring training for the Lumberjacks but was sent down to the minors to start the season due to roster limitations. "Sending guys like Gonzalez down to start the season is tough" added GM Chris Wilson. "We felt he was ready to be on this staff but we had other guys who required spots. We told him to be ready when and if there was an injury. While we hoped it wouldn't happen nor be this soon, here we are. While we hate it for Derrick, we're excited to see Erasmo in Portland."
