Mathis put on 15 day DL, expected to miss extended time

Mamba · Apr 20, 2010

ANAHEIM – The ongoing drama and debate over the Angels' catching situation took another turn on Tuesday when the club learned catcher Jeff Mathis was headed to the disabled list after fracturing his right wrist in Monday's 2-0 win over Detroit.

Mathis injured his wrist in the eighth inning of the game, attempting to block Kevin Jepsen's pitch in the dirt. The ball bounced up and caught Mathis' exposed right wrist just below his thumb. Trainers checked on the injury, but Mathis stayed in the game.

Tuesday, X-rays revealed the fracture.

"I saw the replay. His hand really wasn't in the position it needed to be. It needs to be behind the glove," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Jeff blocks the ball extremely well – as well as any catcher in baseball. It was just a freak thing that his hand was there in a position where it usually isn't."

In 10 starts this season, Mathis is batting .324. He's also hit safely in 10-straight games – a career high.

"Jeff's a tough guy," Scioscia said. "Hopefully it won't be too long, and he'll get back in there. He's been playing great baseball, and whenever he gets back in there, we'll expect him to pick it right back up."

Wrist fractures usually take at least six weeks to heal.

While Mathis is recovering, Mike Napoli takes over as the team's No. 1 catcher. Napoli said his approach won't change now that he's slated to receive regular playing time.

"I'm just going to go out there, play the game and have fun," he said. "I went out there Saturday and did it. I'm just playing hard. I don't want to put pressure on myself to try and do too much."

Prior to Tuesday night, Napoli had made just four starts, going 2-for-15 from the plate. During Cactus League games, Napoli hit six home runs – tied for the most during spring training.

While the beginning of the year hasn't gone as many projected, with Mathis taking control of the catching job, Scioscia said he trusts Napoli to stay within himself.

"I don't think Mike's the type of guy that really presses," Scioscia said. "I think he trusts his talent. He's as good as there is at turning the page if something happens that isn't exactly scripted. I think he's got a great mental makeup, and I think he's going to go out and play baseball. That's what I would expect."
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http://www.ocregister.com/sports/mathis-245054-napoli-scioscia.html

Mamba · Apr 21, 2010

I feel bad for Mathis, because he has really been on a tear since last year's ALCS. He won the starting job over Napoli and his bat has been coming around nicely. He's a great defensive C, that is why MS loves him. Hope he can recover quickly and properly from this and that it doesn't throw him off his game.

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Mathis put on 15 day DL, expected to miss extended time

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Mathis put on 15 day DL, expected to miss extended time

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