Cubs closer goes on DL for injury suffered while undressing
When the Chicago Cubs signed Brandon Morrow to replace Wade Davis as their closer, there were two question about the veteran right-hander.
First, could he make the transition from setup man to closer?
So far, the answer has been yes; Morrow has 16 saves and an ERA of 1.59.
The second question was just as important — could he stay healthy?
As SB Nation showed, injuries have been a major issue in Morrow’s career, which began in the 2006 MLB draft, where he was selected before two lefties: Andrew Miller and Clayton Kershaw.
Morrow was diagnosed with biceps tendinitis in 2009, right forearm inflammation in 2011, a left oblique strain in 2012, a right forearm strain in 2013, a sprained right index finger in 2014, right shoulder inflammation in 2015 as well as a shoulder impingement that same season.
Now Morrow has discovered a new way to hit the disabled list — taking off his pants.
After the Cubs returned home from a series in St. Louis, disaster struck — in the closet.
“Just undressing at my house,” Morrow told reporters on Tuesday. “Like 3 a.m., in the closet, got my right leg off. Left one just felt like a spasm in my back.
“It’s frustrating any time you can’t get out there, especially when you can’t go because of something stupid like taking your pants off.”
Of course, in the star-crossed history of Cubs baseball, Morrow’s not the only player to be injure his back in an odd way.
In 2004, slugger Sammy Sosa strained ligaments in his back — from sneezing.
For a guy like Morrow, who’s had so many injuries already, getting hurt while changing is just a little extra pain.
“I’m hoping that since it’s not like a trauma-induced spasm — like I wasn’t throwing a pitch or lifting something or twisting — that once the muscle relaxes it should be OK,” Morrow told reporters. “It’s very localized. It’s not like it’s spreading out and stuff.
“Getting hurt any time’s frustrating, but when it’s not related to throwing a baseball it’s even that much more frustrating.”
At least the injury doesn’t seem to be major. The Cubs are hoping to have their closer back after 10 days on the disabled list, where Morrow landed Wednesday, retroactive to June 17.
In the meantime, remember: While we all put our pants on the same way, one leg at a time, most of us don’t get hurt doing so.
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