Bob Wickman hits DL; Paronto activated

[McCarroll21]

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/04/30/0430wickman.htmlThe Braves have placed closer Bob Wickman on the disabled list and activated reliever Chad Paronto.

Wickman struggled in three appearances the past five days, blowing leads Wednesday against Florida and Sunday against Colorado. He also had to be removed in the ninth inning Friday night against Colorado.

The veteran righthander has allowed five hits, six runs and six walks in 1 2/3 innings in his past three games.

MORE DETAILS TO COMEUgh! Something to keep an eye on to say the least. Hopefully its just a way to force the Braves to not use him right now and allow him to rest.

[jones2510]

:(

[CB1]

... NO!

[Vuchato]

so... Gonzo or Sori?

[McCarroll21]

Have to go with Soriano as the closer right now. Yates will probably move into the setup role alongside Gonzalez.

[gobravez]

I would rather see Tyler Yates, Soriano, or Gonzo in the 9th inning right now amyway.

[BravesfaninNC]

All i have to say is thanks god that we have both Soriano, and Gonzo without them this is like repeat of 06.But thanks god it not.Maybe it just me but it sure seem like Bob was not feeling well in the last few games that he pitch.Could be Sick?

[CB1]

It's gotta be something, as he was DLed. Now, THIS is why we acquired two more guys. Just in case something like this happened and we didn't have to resort to something extreme such as signing BGarrett or something to close.

[GTBraves's roomate]

very dissapointing, but this is why we got both Gonzo and Soriano so I'm not too worried about our bullpen.

[lavell12]

I think Gonzo has to go to the role just because he was a closer last year and Soriano hasn't closed at the MLB level.

[gobravez]

I think Gonzo has to go to the role just because he was a closer last year and Soriano hasn't closed at the MLB level.


Well either Soriano or Yates needs to close for the next few days so that we can be sure Gonzo is at full health then let Gonzo have it.

[JCStone7]

i think cox will use both in the closer's role depending on the situation

[lavell12]

That is very true if a bunch of lefties come up in the ninth you will Gonzo close.

[McCarroll21]

I think Gonzo has to go to the role just because he was a closer last year and Soriano hasn't closed at the MLB level.
Gonzo isn't exactly dominating right now. Soriano is ... in close games anyway. Gonzo has had some health issues of his own, so we need to be careful with him as well.

[dogmanx23]

i figured something was wrong with him hes lights out but he couldnt throw a strike the last 2 games.

[BravesfaninNC]

Braves place struggling Wickman on DL
Closer has tendinitis in his upper right back

By Carroll Rogers (crogers@ajc.com)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/30/07
Braves closer Bob Wickman went on the disabled list Monday with tendinitis in his upper right back, giving an indication of why he has struggled so much the past week.
Wickman blew two saves in his past three outings, and the third was a three-run outing by the Marlins. He said he'd had trouble extending and following through on his pitches.
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The Braves don't think it's especially serious and are hoping with 15 days of rest the 38-year-old closer will be ready to return.
Rafael Soriano likely will fill in as closer, along with Mike Gonzalez.
In the meantime, Chad Paronto was activated from the disabled list, where he'd been with a sore groin.

[C-Dawg]

Sounds like Wickman doesn't need to go on the DL.....he needs to go on Jenny Craig. It's just sad that such a talented player is being hobbled under the weight of his own lard.

[gitrdone48]

I hope this isn't a recurring issue. We're gonna need 'Ol pork and beans this season!

[BGarrett7]

Just in case something like this happened and we didn't have to resort to something extreme such as signing BGarrett or something to close.I could do better than Reitsma or Kolb.

[GTBrave]

Gonzo's outing tonight was pretty stellar. It wasn't a save opportunity, but it was a 9th inning tie game, and he dominated the three batters he faced. I think that they both could close on any given night. Cox will probably give them plenty of rest in between outings to make sure they don't get hurt while Wickman recovers.

And if one of them does fall into the role I think Soriano gets it simply because he was the 8th inning guy and Gonzo moves up to Soriano's old spot with Yates pitching the 7th.