Looks like we're starting off spring training with some bad news - Pirates reliever Joel Hanrahan will most likely start the season on the DL.
He had some elbow pain at the end of last season, and it turned out to be more serious than he thought. He felt some pain and had some setbacks during January throwing sessions, and he has since been shut down until he sees Doctor James Andrews. It's never a good thing when a pitcher goes to see that guy.
Barring a radical healing, Hanrahan won't be pitching at all for the Pirates in spring training, and will start the 2010 season the DL. We're hoping it's not too serious and he only misses a couple weeks, but there is really no way to tell right now.
If Hanrahan misses significant time it would be a pretty big blow for the Pirates bullpen. It won't be as bad as it would have been before Huntington inked Dotel, Lopez, Donnelly, and Carrasco, but we will definitely miss his arm in the last innings. The bright side of this is that we will get to see some more competition for a spot on the opening day roster. There will be an extra spot open that 4 or 5 guys will be battling for. It should be interesting to see, but we all hope Joel heals quickly.
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