Kawakami to Miss Start

Written by Jonathan on May 1, 2009 – 6:51 am

Kenshin Kawakami’s scheduled start on Saturday against the Astros will be skipped after he complained of soreness in his right shoulder.  Kawakami missed one of his Spring Training starts with similar discomfort, but bounced back in his next start without experiencing any pain.  That pain was in a different location however than the current area around his right A/C joint.

Because of the off day yesterday, the Braves have the option of moving everyone up in the schedule by one game without making anyone pitch on short rest.  As a result, Jair Jurrjens will make the start on Saturday and Jo-Jo Reyes on Sunday.  Kawakami will now instead make his start on Tuesday against Johan Santana when the Mets come to Turner Field.

Hopefully this is just a result of the increased pitching demand on Kawakami’s arm and that he will adjust in time.  Before signing a three-year, $23 million contract with the Braves, Kenshin spent 13 years pitching as part of a six-man rotation.  Adjusting to a five-man rotation is giving his body a day less of rest than he has been accustomed to in his entire career.  It will be interesting to see how this pans out, but I’m hopeful for the best.  Do you think this is cause for concern or just early problems adjusting to the changes?

Tags: Kenshin Kawakami
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