BY TIM HAYES
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
The two Southwest Virginia pitchers in Major League Baseball — left-handers Billy Wagner and Jimmy Gobble — are on the disabled list.
Wagner, the former Tazewell High star and closer for the New York Mets, is out indefinitely after Tuesday’s MRI showed more inflammation in his left elbow. Wagner hasn’t pitched for the Mets since Aug. 2. He made a rehab appearance for the Class AA Binghamton Mets on Aug. 14, but the pain became too much.
Wagner is 0-1 with 27 saves and a 2.30 ERA in 45 relief appearances this season for the Mets.
The injury hasn’t dampened his sense of humor. When asked how his injury would shake up the bullpen, Wagner told the New York Post: “These guys are great. There’s not one I’d trade to get somebody else. I’m not as good as half those guys. The only reason you mention me is because I’ve got a closer’s title. And the only reason I’m a closer is because I [stunk] as a starter.”
Wagner was drafted as a starter and had that role in the minor leagues before being converted to a closer. He has 385 career saves, sixth on the MLB career list.
Gobble has not pitched in the majors since July 21, when the Kansas City Royals placed him on the DL because of a back injury.
He’s made four injury rehab starts for the Class AAA Omaha Royals and is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA. The former John Battle High School star was solid in his first three starts, before getting roughed up by Oklahoma last Saturday.
thayes@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2570
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