David Chao, MD
2 min read • April 14, 2023
Posted in
The day the Rays set a franchise record for overall win streak and tied the modern-MLB record for most consecutive wins to start a season, Tampa Bay got some worrying news about starter Jeffrey Springs.
Springs exited Thursday's start in the fourth inning and was diagnosed with left arm ulnar neuritis.
He will undergo an MRI on his elbow Friday.
Anything involving a nerve issue in the elbow is worrying for a pitcher, but this issue specifically has a high correlation to ulnar collateral ligament damage and Tommy John surgery, according to the Pro Baseball Docs.
The MRI will determine if that is the case as Rays fans wait with fingers crossed.
Springs was seen flexing his hand before leaving and described the feeling postgame: “kind of a funny bone, kind of a shock, zinger kind of thing down the forearm (and hand)," Springs told reporters.
“Just hoping for the best. Hopefully it's just a nerve thing that kind of flared up,” Springs said after the game. “I've been very fortunate I've never had any elbow issues or anything like that, so this is all kind of new. So we'll see. Right now, I feel fine and everything, so hopefully that's all it was.”
The 30-year-old southpaw was off to a stellar start for Tampa Bay, with 13 scoreless innings and 19 strikeouts in his first two outings.
He has a career 3.40 ERA in six seasons, but just became a full-time starter last season.
In 2022, Springs was 9-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 25 starts and has 144 strikeouts in 135.1 innings.
Despite their scorching start, the Rays rotation has racked up injuries.
Tyler Glasnow is out until mid-to-late May with a strained left oblique, Shane Baz is out for the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and right-hander Zach Eflin was placed on the 15-day IL Tuesday with lower back tightness.
The Rays are tied with the Padres for the fifth best odds to win the World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Both teams are +1000 although the Rays are 13-0 and the Padres are 7-7.
Tampa Bay is currently +130 to win the AL East, while the Yankees are +155 and the Blue Jays are +330.
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Written by David Chao, MD
.@RaysBaseball lefty Jeffrey Springs addresses the media to give an update about his injury status and how he is feeling after leaving Thursday's game early. #RaysUp
