Terry Collins Admits Mets Overused Injured Reliever Tim Byrdak
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Mets manager Terry Collins admitted Tuesday that the club overused left-hander Tim Byrdak, which may have led to a potentially career-threatening injury.
"I don't think there's any question, injuries are caused by overuse," Collins said of Byrdak's torn shoulder capsule. "It's just the fact he was in that role where he's had to go out a lot. There's no question we probably used him more than we should have -- but we wouldn't be here without him."
Byrdak wasn't the first Mets pitcher to possibly be injured due to overuse. After the 2010 season, Pedro Feliciano was passed over for a new contract by the club and would sign with the Yankees, only to be diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury at spring training in 2011. Feliciano, who still hasn't pitched for the Yankees, led the league in appearances for three straight years with the Mets.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman would later accuse the Mets of abusing Feliciano. Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen took issue with the statement, but acknowledged Feliciano's high number of appearances was a factor in the team's decision to let him walk.
Byrdak's 56 appearances led the majors this season before his injury. Collins said he didn't have any other choice but to "ride" the left-hander.
"We just didn't have too many options," Collins said. "It's one thing to have two left-handers in the bullpen, but if that second lefty can't get left-handed hitters out, it doesn't do you any good."
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