BUCHHOLZ CALLS IT A SEASON BECAUSE OF SORE SHOULDER
His right shoulder packed in ice before Wednesday’s game against the Padres, Rockies setup man Taylor Buchholz confirmed his breakout 2008 season is over.
“There is inflammation in the shoulder and it’s bothered me for about a week and a half,” Buchholz said. “We are trying to get it better and find out what’s going on, at least.”
Buchholz said he would get an MRI in the next few days and then discuss treatment options.
“We are just trying to gather information right now,” Buchholz said.
For much of the season, Buchholz was one of the Rockies’ most reliable relievers, developing into a quality setup man for closer Brian Fuentes. With Fuentes planning to test the market as a free agent, Buchholz has said he would like a chance to be the Rockies’ closer next season.
Buchholz sports a 2.17 ERA, the fifth-lowest among National League relievers. In 48 of 63 outings, he held opponents scoreless. However, he suffered two tough defeats this month. On Sept. 7 against Houston, Buchholz gave up two runs in the eighth inning in a 7-5 loss. Two nights later at Atlanta, he balked in the winning run in the 10th inning.
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
