Thursday, February 23, 2012

Nats taking precautions with Wang

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Chien-Ming Wang throws in the bullpen with pitching coach Steve McCatty Tuesday.
VIERA, Fla. -- Though his surgically repaired shoulder is healed and he's experienced no issues since returning to the big leagues last summer, Chien-Ming Wang is taking things a bit easier than his pitching teammates this spring as the Nationals use extra precautions with the veteran right-hander.

Wang, who threw his first bullpen session of camp Tuesday, would normally have returned to the mound today with everyone else from his throwing group. But in consultation with pitching coach Steve McCatty and manager Davey Johnson, Wang pushed back his session til tomorrow and will proceed throwing on a three-day schedule as opposed to the every-other-day schedule the rest of the staff follows.

Wang said the extra rest should be helpful after spending two seasons recovering from major shoulder surgery and experiencing more problems when he attempted to throw every other day.

"Last year spring training ... my arm was stiff," he said.

Wang reiterated that his shoulder "feels good, no problems," and that he emerged from Tuesday's bullpen session with no pain or soreness. It's a huge relief for the 31-year-old, who for the first time in a long time isn't worried about the state of his shoulder.

"The last two years were kind of difficult," he said. "This year, the body is fresh and everything is good. I'm focused on getting ready."

Even if Wang stays healthy, the Nationals will proceed a bit more cautiously with him this spring. Johnson said Wang will likely pitch a simulated game before facing opposing teams in the Grapefruit League, "to let him not feel like he's thrown right onto the bus right out of the jump chute."

31 comments:

Marty said...

Ah, the sign of changed times. Take your time Wang, take your time. Lannan will be more than happy to fill in for you.

N. Cognito said...

I see the DL and extended Spring Training in Wang's future.

Sunderland said...

Sounds also to me like it might make sense to keep Wang in Florida for the first couple weeks of the season and not subject him to the cold. I see a 15 day DL stint coming on around April 1.

PAY TO PLAY said...

They certainly don't have to rush Wang. A week from tomorrow is the Georgetown game!

Anonymous said...

Yes. Never a good idea to touch one's Wang too often.

NatsLady said...

See, and here I thought we were done with CMW jokes.

Paul said...

Safety is the best policy when it comes to Wang.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like NatsLady is one of those ladies who doesn't like Wang. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Anonymous said...

Just a nice divergence in the Zim-Rizzo-Brodie-Lerner play by play.

I bet they are meeting at DaKine's right now!

NatStat said...

Wang is becoming more expendable by the day!

Section 215 Row A said...

You know what's great? Multiple postings every day! Tired of discussing LaRoche's shouder? Zimm's contract? Wait a minute. We got a new Wang. And 42 days to Opening Day! The sun is shining and life is good.

Anonymous said...

Section 215 Row A got a new Wang? Who is he anyway, John Wayne Bobbitt? (Not to be confused with John Holliday Bobbitt aka Johnny Holliday, of course.)

Anonymous said...

I think he means "jump chute." We're not talking about the Wizards here.

Johnny Holliday said...

Speaking of me, what are you guys, 12?

sec3ms said...

"to let him not feel like he's thrown right onto the bus right out of the jump shoot."

What?

DWS said...

You're right Natslady. Anonimi make Bryce look old and wise.
Handles are great, shows a little responsibility. Time to grow up, anonymous, some of you are reading.

DWS said...

Insert worth reading. With an O

Actually, I'm 11 years old said...

Headline: Nats holding Wang for three days between sessions

UnkyD said...

LMWO.....!!

UnkyD said...

I just got iPhone 4s..... This looks like Siri's work....

SCNatsFan said...

Iunderstand the thought of keeping Wang around Florida, especially with the cold days in DC... but if he is truly recovered then this is a guy we want on the mound every 5th day. Lets hope we get that pitcher.

UnkyD said...

Oops! Meant to paste this, first!:


"to let him not feel like he's thrown right onto the bus right out of the jump shoot."

What?
-------------------
There...... Siri?

Anonymous said...

Iunderstand the thought of keeping Wang around Florida, especially with the cold days in DC...

I see you know about shrinkage.

baseballswami said...

Sorry, but this guy is really high- maintenance. Lots of other, more durable guys around now. Off the subject but -- I found myself thinking about the this year's team, ( a regular occurrence at work these days), and I really like what I am seeing and hearing. I think there is something to this "high character" type player that Rizzo has been signing. Danny's workouts, BHarp's work ethic, RZim's attitude,Lannan accepting the status quo, everyone coming to camp early, lots of really good signs. There are many things that are not controllable, but clubhouse-wise, things seem to be as good as they can get. Love these guys!! Oh, and in case you might have forgotten what it used to be like - have you seen the Elijah Dukes news?

Cwj said...

How much $$$ is invested in Wang? As of right now I would go with Lannan as the 5th starter, followed by Detwiler, and then Wang.

Lannan is durable, Detwiler is still young, but Wang...I don't know anymore. He may still prove me Wang though.

Anonymous said...

Johnny Holliday said...
Speaking of me, what are you guys, 12?

Fukudome

Anonymous said...

Wang...pay attention.

Anonymous said...

Come on guys, it's the man's name and he can't do anything about it. How about showing a little maturity and respect and quit it with the jokes.

Joe Seamhead said...

Anonymous said...
Sounds like NatsLady is one of those ladies who doesn't like Wang. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
February 23, 2012 2:53 PM
---------------------------------------
You,sir, are out of bounds. Grow up.

realdealnats said...

Said it 10 days ago: Lannan as our left handed #5, Det to the pen, and Wang on DL.

natsfan1a said...

Atta way, Joe Seamhead. :-)

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