Billy Wagner to Have *MRI* on Shoulder

[budgerock]

http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/articl ... p&c_id=nym

CINCINNATI -- The Mets' off-day Monday may become a day for the organization to cross its fingers and hold its breath. On the eve of the team's three-game series against the Phillies, Billy Wagner is to be in Manhattan to have his left shoulder examined.

The veteran closer, who had been bothered of late by discomfort in his left trapezius muscle, experienced tightness in an adjacent area of his left shoulder on Sunday while he was saving the Mets' 7-5 victory against the Reds. Wagner said the discomfort felt like a cramp and suggested that a nerve might be impinged. His general diagnosis was, "My shoulder's a little tight."

Manager Jerry Manuel said, "We want to know what was keeping him tight. It was 120 degrees. ... I was loose."

The tightness began, Wagner said, as he warmed up.

He didn't anticipate having his am examined by an MRI.

"I hope I don't have to spend that much time in the city," he said.

Wagner said the trapezius has bothered him for about two weeks.

"It seems fine now," he said afterward. "It wasn't that bad. When Jerry came out, I thought it was for someone else. ... It doesn't seem bad. If it is, I'll miss the first game [of the Phillies series], and if we're winning by more than three, that won't matter."
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This sucks. He is hurt but struck out the side. He says he pitched through this before but what if the MRI shows damage? What are we supposed to make of this?

[provpike]

Who do you see as a possible replacement if needed?

[rocky123]

Looks like Wagner may not pitch for a few days. Great I just traded for him yesterday

According to reports, Billy Wagner has a tight shoulder and was considering getting an MRI. He passed on the MRI, but he will get a few days to rest at this point.
(Updated 07/21/2008).
Fantasy Analysis
Wagner is a risky play in Fantasy Week 17 (July 21-27) at this point, especially since he might not pitch in the crucial Phillies series. If he can't pitch in that way, there might not be a reason to rush him back over the weekend vs. St. Louis either. Seek alternatives to Wagner at the closer position this week.

[miller24x]

Who do you see as a possible replacement if needed?

Marmol if he happens to be available.

[claudish21]

I would think Duane Sanchez is the closer while Wags is out.

[DbacksRback]

I would think Duane Sanchez is the closer while Wags is out.

Id have to agree sanchez looks like the option

[rocky123]

Looks like we Wagner owners dodged a bullet.
Per RW:

The New York Journal News reports that an MRI exam on Billy Wagner's sore left shoulder Tuesday revealed merely a muscle spasm with zero structural damage.
Wagner is now considered day-to-day. He struck out the side in an appearance Sunday that came after he had trouble warming up and could be available out of the Mets' bullpen Tuesday.