Pat Burrell Out Of Lineup Again With Neck Injury

by Tommy Rancel on May 13, 2009 4:23 PM EDT

Update: Pat Burrell flew back home today where he will be evaluated by Dr. Tom Tolli, the teams go to guy on back injuries. A back injury would jive with my comparison to Derrek Lee. Lee missed five games, but did not need to go on the DL.

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So when does a stiff neck turn into a pain in the ass? I'd say about now. Pat Burrell will miss tonight's game with what is still being called a "stiff neck." Just for comparison's sake, Derrek Lee had a similar situation in Chicago and MRI's revealed a bulging disk in his back, however Lee will continue to play. While we have no indiciation this is the same situation, it seems that there is a bit more than a stiff neck involved.

Burrell's power, or lack there of, has been a bit of a concern, but overall his .250 batting average and .350 OBP are about normal. Lately, Burrell's walks have dropped, while his O-Swing has risen. Depending on what or if there is an actual injury, this could explain some of the struggles.

For now we'll just sit back, take the Rays' word for face value.. Willy Aybar will continue to DH in Burrell's absense.

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Comments

What would it take to fix a bulging disk? I'd rather have him go on the DL for a while and come back strong then to "Chipper Jones" it.

Until Next Time,
The Sports Chief

by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 13, 2009 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

Burrell to the DL -> Joyce to the Majors -> Jennings to AAA

Would be nice if PTB is going to be out for some time.

by Dbullsfan on May 13, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Phone it to the FO

it all depends on PtB’s neck

by Buc Wild on May 13, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Per the Heater

“Tampa Bay Rays DH Pat Burrell flew back to Florida today to have his lingering stiff neck checked by a doctor”

“Burrell was to be seen by Dr. Tom Tolli, the team’s back specialist.”

by FreeZorilla on May 13, 2009 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

With a comment like that, you may be a doctor, but you know very little about stiff necks.

"Where we all wait in earnest with pudding in hand for the Upton comet to sail through the roofed skies, so that we may meet Him."

by kericr on May 13, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

call ME tater nuts

Until Next Time,
The Sports Chief

by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 14, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

These Tater Nuts are MAKING ME THIRSTY

Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.

-Al Lopez

by Sandy Kazmir on May 14, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions