Edwar Ramirez Joins Small List of Injured Yankees

Spring training has a few undeniable purposes, to audition players for open positions and to get everyone in shape for the season.

The most important thing though is to keep everyone healthy.

Edwar Ramirez was the latest victim of the setbacks of spring, as he cut his bullpen session short yesterday after just five pitches, complaining of discomfort in his right shoulder.

Initially described as tendinitis, the situation could potentially be worse as he said he felt the pain during the final three games of 2008.

He is set to go see the team’s orthopedist Dr. Allen Miller today.

“We have to wait,” Ramirez said. “I don’t know what I have.”

Ramirez was a big piece of the Yankees bullpen last season as he threw 55 1/3 innings over 55 games.

His numbers, a 5-1 record, 3.90 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and .215 BAA, would have been even better last season, but he appeared to tire towards the end of the season.

Over 22 1/3 innings after the all-star break, he had a 5.64 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP, and a .261 BAA.

If those numbers were an indication of wear on his arm, the Yankees do have other options for the pen.

Jonathan Albaladejo and Humberto Sanchez were two pitchers who were injured most of 2008 that could step up.

There is also Mark Melancon, who would be next in line to join the 40-man roster if Ramirez were placed on the 60-day DL.