On Wednesday, we saw the Los Angeles Dodgers take a late 5-4 lead over the Florida Marlins and warm up Vicente Padilla while leaving Jonathan Broxton sitting down. Padilla came in to record the save, and we were left wondering what was going on. Just Tuesday, manager Don Mattingly had said that the struggling Broxton was still his closer. What gives?
Jonathan Broxton Sidelined With Elbow Soreness
Dylan Hernandez has the scoop on what gave. Dylan:
Broxton said he is feeling some soreness in his elbow. Was available today only in emergency situation, Mattingly said.
And there you go. Broxton is still Mattingly’s closer, but only when he’s feeling good, which he was not today. Hence Padilla.
Of course, one can’t help but be worried about any kind of elbow soreness when you’re talking about a pitcher who’s been fighting it the way Broxton has, but the Dodgers don’t seem too concerned, so it’s probably nothing major. We’ll see. Assuming Broxton’s back to 100% within a few days, then we’ll really see how the Dodgers go about dealing with save opportunities.
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