FORT MYERS, Fla. — The fireballer has flamed out once again, and this time it may be for good.
Twins reliever Joel Zumaya was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right elbow Sunday, meaning his latest comeback bid has ended almost before it began.
Zumaya signed an incentive-laden, one-year contract with the Twins, who hoped he could bolster their bullpen with his 100 mph heat.
General manager Terry Ryan knew Zumaya’s long injury history when he offered the contract, but the possibility of getting the overpowering arm that electrified the Tigers in 2006 intrigued him.
“I took a risk. It was a high risk with high reward,” Ryan said after an MRI exam revealed the torn ulnar collateral ligament. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work. And he feels bad. I feel bad.”
Zumaya had not thrown a pitch since June 2010 after breaking his elbow while pitching for Detroit in a game at Minnesota’s Target Field.
New deal for Nationals’ Zimmerman. Washington took what it hopes is another step toward consistent contention by locking up its star third baseman — the guy many call the face of the National League franchise — through 2019, adding six years to Ryan Zimmerman’s contract.
The extra six seasons are worth $100 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
Zimmerman, who last season was limited by injuries to 395 at-bats over 101 games and hit .289 with 12 homers, 21 doubles and 49 RBIs, is now guaranteed $126 million over the next eight seasons. There is a club option for 2020.
Cleveland closer sidelined
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Indians all-star closer Chris Perez will miss at least one month and possibly six weeks with a strained left side muscle he injured while throwing off the mound for the first time in spring training.
Perez said he had thrown about 30 pitches Thursday when he pulled up with what he thought was a cramp.
“Just one of those fluke things,” he said.
Footnotes. Orioles pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada was held out of his scheduled bullpen session because of discomfort in his left elbow.
• The Mets will wear a patch on their uniforms this year to honor Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter, who died this month. The Associated Press
