August 15, 2057
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
When the Bluebirds acquired David Molina from Boise in exchange for Jeremy Nickerson, it was known that it was a trade of damaged goods. Nickerson was a fragile player and has spent most of his time in Boise on the IL after suffering elbow issues. Now, Molina sees himself headed to the IL with his third major injury in his career.
LHP David Molina
After missing most of 2056 with shoulder issues, Molina’s surgically repaired elbow left him grimacing with pain after throwing a pitch in Wednesday’s victory against the Lumberjacks. The news wasn’t expected to be good and an MRI after the game revealed a partially torn UCL – the same elbow that was reconstructed in high school.
“There was no doubt about his ability,” said GM Chad Nason. “We knew he was coming off some substantial injuries, but when this guy is on the mound, he’s a difference maker. Unfortunately, he’s had problems staying on the mound. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he can contribute at some point in 2058.”
Molina struggled early on in Nashville after learning his new stopper position in AAA. He had begun pitching better in recent weeks and had a 44 FIP- before getting injured. Perhaps the stopper role was too much stress on his elbow and he needed more rest between sessions, but it was a gamble worth taking with one of the league’s top pitchers coming out of the bullpen in dire circumstances. With the trade deadline approaching the Bluebirds could be active looking for a replacement.
