Isringhausen 'survives' throwing session
Mets relief pitcher Jason Isringhausen throws during a spring training game. (Feb. 28, 2011) Credit: AP
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Jason Isringhausen, in his own words, "survived" a Tuesday morning catch with pitching coach Dan Warthen and now expects to remain on schedule for his target of Opening Day.
Isringhausen, 38, had not appeared in a game since Friday because of muscle soreness in his right elbow, and was prescribed a three-day dosage of anti-inflammatory medication.
During Tuesday's test, he began with some long throws from shortstop, and then lightly spun off about nine or 10 curveballs to Warthen. Isringhausen's looping curve puts the most strain on that area - he's had three Tommy John operations - but there were no issues Tuesday. The day after is usually the best indication, but Isringhausen doesn't anticipate any more setbacks.
"There won't be any problem," Isringhausen said. "I can already tell. It actually feels like I haven't thrown in five days, that's the only thing. Old muscles get tight and I've got to throw. But it's fine, as far as I'm concerned."
Isringhausen, once a longshot and now a lock, expects to throw a side session Wednesday. After a day off, he is likely to pitch in a game Friday and then resume his alternate day schedule leading up to the April 1 opener. After this latest discomfort, however, Isringhausen will have to be more vigilant about treatment for his surgically-repaired elbow.
"I think now it's just a maintenance thing," Isringhausen said. "Ultrasound, exercises - all that good stuff just to keep it right."
