The Arizona Republic
The Arizona Republic
PHOENIX – Diamondbacks closer Matt Mantei has begun to accept that his season likely is over.
“Personally, I don’t think I can throw another pitch this season,” said Mantei, who learned Tuesday he has a torn ulnar ligament in his right elbow.
Mantei will go to Birmingham, Ala., early next week for a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who performed rotator cuff surgery on Mantei in 1997. He has not pitched in a game since injuring the elbow April 24, when he felt it pop during a pitch to Florida’s Charles Johnson.
“I’m not as shocked as I (could) be,” said Mantei, who had two saves and a 2.57 ERA in seven innings. “I’m willing to accept it. I’m 27, and, if something needs to be done, I’m awfully young.”
Bret Prinz (2-0, 0.54 ERA), who has converted five of seven save opportunities, will continue to handle most of the closer’s duties, with help from Byung-Hyun Kim, Greg Swindell and Troy Brohawn.
“Just because Matt isn’t going to be there, it’s not going to change my mind-set,” Prinz said. “I still have to get the job done.”