Moylan to have MRI on ailing lower back
http://www.ajc.com/sports/moylan-to-...ri-913406.html
Reliever Peter Moylan will have an MRI, possibly Monday, to find out what’s ailing his lower back. The Braves put the veteran reliever on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday after it was clear he couldn’t pitch through pain anymore.
There is some concern, given Moylan’s history of back problems. The sidearm pitcher has had surgery twice for bulging discs. But Moylan said Sunday the pain is different this time.
“I used to get shooting pains down my leg and I’m not getting that now,” said Moylan, who will stay behind in Atlanta when the Braves travel to Los Angeles to begin a three-city trip.
Moylan had surgery in 2001 and 2003, which prompted him to change his delivery and drop down to the side. He resurrected his career as a sidearm pitcher for the Australian team in the World Baseball Classic and was signed by the Braves.
Moylan said the fact he’s been able to pitch through the pain until now gives him hope that it’s not serious.
“I’m fairly confident that it’s not going to need surgery,” he said.
Moylan pitched Tuesday and Thursday against the Marlins before waking Saturday in considerable discomfort.
“There’s no point treating it to come back and pitch one day and then having it flare up the next day, then treating it again,” Moylan said. “I want to be able to pitch three days in a row. I want to be able to do what I’ve done in the past and not have any restrictions. We all decided it was best to get it checked out and make sure it’s all good.”
Moylan tied for second in the major leagues last year with 85 appearances. In the past two years combined, he was second only to Pedro Feliciano (180) in appearances with 172 games. Feliciano, the former Met, is likely headed for season-ending shoulder surgery with the Yankees.