NewsCarpal tunnel syndrome nags Arroyo
Cincinnati (37-37) vs. Arizona (30-45), 7:10 p.m. ET
By Matt O'Donnell / MLB.com
06/28/09 5:52 PM ET
CLEVELAND -- Bronson Arroyo looked at a rock n' roll magazine in the clubhouse before Sunday's game against the Indians. But that's about as close to music as he's gotten recently. Arroyo, who will start Tuesday in the series opener against the D-backs, has performed in everything from concerts in Boston to JTM commercials. But he barely picks up a guitar anymore because of carpal tunnel syndrome in his right hand. The Reds right-hander estimates he's only played about 15 songs in the past three months. He said the last time he picked up a guitar was about a week ago. But even then, he only used his left hand while trying to compose songs. "It drives me crazy every day," Arroyo said when asked if he missed playing the guitar. "But I can't do it because half of my hand gets numb. I've been dealing with it since I was four." Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in a nerve, which controls sensations from the palm side of the thumb and fingers. The nerve gets pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Numbness in the fingers is a frequent symptom of the condition, which could spell disaster for a pitcher. Some people might point to Arroyo's guitar playing as the reason for his condition. But there is little clinical data to prove whether repetitive and forceful movements of the hand and wrist during work or leisure activities can cause carpal tunnel according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes Web site. The 32-year-old said he is looking into offseason surgery to fix the problem. Arroyo said he wouldn't get the procedure if it were to affect his performance on the mound. Arroyo added that he didn't think he could go another year without playing the guitar. "I'm going to go to a hand specialist and see how it will affect me," Arroyo said. It certainly affected him in Spring Training. Right before the season, Arroyo said the carpal tunnel syndrome was starting to really bother him. He got a cortisone shot and it hasn't been much of a problem since. "It never feels 100 percent," Arroyo said. "It hasn't been a big problem. I'm going to try and maintain without getting another [shot]." Pitching matchupCIN: RHP Bronson Arroyo (8-6, 5.54 ERA)
Arroyo's latest start in Toronto on Wednesday didn't go much better than his previous one. He allowed seven runs over 3 2/3 innings, including five runs in the first inning before he got his first out. He allowed eight hits and three walks over his outing in an 8-2 loss to the Blue Jays. Arroyo will look to get back on track against the D-backs. He is 1-2 with a 5.97 ERA in seven starts against Arizona for his career. ARI: RHP Dan Haren (6-5, 2.25 ERA)
Haren continues to dominate National League hitters despite a win-loss record that might indicate otherwise. In his previous start, he threw seven solid innings against the Rangers in a 2-1 in a season-high 116-pitch effort. He struck out eight batters and continues to be among the NL leaders in ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched and batting average against. He threw 95 pitches in the first five frames against Texas, yet still managed to pitch seven innings in the defeat. Tidbits
Sunday marked the end of the 13th season of Interleague Play. While Arroyo said he didn't mind facing American League hitters, he added that it will be nice to face teams from the NL again. "Everyone's happy to get back," Arroyo said before Sunday's game with the Indians. "As far as standings go, it gets us back to teams that are relevant." ... Going into Sunday's game, catcher Ryan Hanigan led rookie hitters in on-base percentage (.408) and was second in hitting (.321). Tickets
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• Wednesday: Reds (Johnny Cueto, 7-4, 2.86) vs. D-backs (Jon Garland, 4-7, 5.04), 7:10 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Reds (Aaron Harang, 5-8, 3.95) vs. D-backs (Billy Buckner, 2-5, 8.63), 12:35 p.m. ET
• Friday: Reds (TBD) vs. Cardinals (TBD), 7:10 p.m. ET
Matt O'Donnell is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
