Saturday, June 25, 2011
Posted: 12:05 a.m.
By John R. Finger
CSNPhilly.com
Usually in the ninth inning of a tie game at home, manager Charlie Manuel likes to hand the ball off to his closer. It doesnt matter if its Brad Lidge, Jose Contreras or Ryan Madsonif the game is tied in the ninth inning at the Bank, the closer is in.
But in a scoreless ninth inning on Friday night at the Bank, Michael Stutes came running out of the bullpen to pitch. Oh, Madson was out there and presumably healthy, but he never got up to throw a ball.
So after the 1-0 victory when asked about why he went with the rookie Stutes over his closer, Manuel tried to play it cool. The problem was he isnt exactly showing off the best poker face.
Asked if Madson was healthy, the manager answered cryptically, I dont know, Ill check with him.
He followed that non-answer answer with, Thats all we had. Thats all well say. Thats all we had.
It didnt take much more interrogation for Manuel to admit that Madson was hurt, however, the injury itself remains a mystery.
MLB
Manuel described the injury as a tingling or a feeling in his hand andor fingers
For about a week now, since Colorado, hes had a feeling in his hand, Manuel said. Today, hopefully, he got it taken care of and he should be ready in three or four days. I didnt want to tell you because I dont want the other team to know and all of that crap. Thats where its at.
From a little research, it was determined that Madson injured his hand on May 20 when the Rangers David Murphy hit a comebacker that hit the pitcher on his throwing hand. Still, since that game against the Rangers Madson has pitched in 13 games, notching a win, a loss and seven saves in eight chances.
So whats the deal?
Well, Madson wasnt talking after the game, sending word out through the teams PR officer that he would not return to the clubhouse to discuss matters with the press. Instead, Madson apparently talked teammate Kyle Kendrick into switching locker locations with him as if the change from one side of the room to the other would throw people off his scent.
Nope, gotta get up early in the morning to pull a fast one past the Philadelphia sporting press.
Meanwhile, without any questioning at all, Manuel revealed that catcher Carlos Ruiz was unable to play after undergoing oral surgery earlier on Friday.
At least thats what it sounded like.
Chooch had a canal or something today and wasnt available, Manuel said.
Just another day at the ol ballpark.
E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow him on Twitter @JRFingerCSN.