Brandon McCarthy had shut out the Chicago Cubs over six innings on Saturday when he was removed from the Los Angeles Dodgers win at just 79 pitches. Manager Dave Roberts revealed postgame it was due to tendinitis in McCarthy’s right knee.
Roberts expressed minimal concern over the injury, though McCarthy was sent for an MRI on his balky knee. Thus, the 33-year-old was unavailable to speak with reports after another impressive start.
According to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio, the MRI results only revealed the preexisting tendinitis, and McCarthy expects to continue pitching through the discomfort without missing time:
McCarthy said MRI revealed just tendinitis and expects to start on Thursday.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 28, 2017
Brandon McCarthy said he's dealt with the tendinitis entire year and has managed it. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 28, 2017
Roberts, along with a trainer, checked on McCarthy after he covered first base to record an out in the sixth inning. The right-hander remained in the game and struck out the next two batters faced.
McCarthy previously spent time on the 10-day disabled list this season after separating his non-throwing shoulder during a workout. The Dodgers originally swapped him in the rotation order with Clayton Kershaw, but as fate would have it, McCarthy’s scheduled start at Petco Park was rained out and postponed to September.
Rather than push their starters back the Dodgers placed McCarthy on the DL. The decision appeared to frustrate the right-hander, who maintained he was healthy to pitch on his initially scheduled turn.
McCarthy is next slated to start against the St. Louis Cardinals in Thursday’s series finale at Busch Stadium. He’s 5-1 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in eight starts this season.
“He’s going to continue to make starts and just manage it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
