Arroyo may have pitched his last game
CINCINNATI — Bronson Arroyo was aware as he walked back to the Reds’ dugout following a popup to Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes to end the third inning of Sunday’s 8-7 loss to Los Angeles that he may have just finished the last game of his career.
The 40-year-old came back from elbow and shoulder injuries to not only make the Reds’ roster this season, but to make 14 starts in the first 2½ months of the season.
What could end up being his final one was the shortest of the bunch, allowing five runs in three innings in Cincinnati's ninth straight loss.
“You have to put up enough quality starts for a ballclub to want to keep you around, you know?” Arroyo said. “That could have been the last time I was on the field, yeah. It's just the way it is.”
Manager Bryan Price said he’d wait until he talked with Arroyo before making any decisions about his future.
With Homer Bailey scheduled for a rehab assignment with triple-A Louisville today and an off day Thursday, Arroyo’s next scheduled start would be Saturday in Washington. If all goes as planned, Bailey would be able to make that start.
“I want to keep it in the dark," Price said. "I'm sure we'll have a conversation ... and just talk about where he's at and how he's feeling. If he's having physical issues, I wouldn't put him back out there.”
Arroyo didn’t keep anyone in the dark, acknowledging that his right shoulder, which he had surgically repaired in 2014, has been bothering him for weeks. He’d been able to manage the pain with cortisone shots, but the last one he had didn’t work as well. Recently, he’s even had pain during his bullpen sessions.
“I think my arm is probably going to be checkmate,” said Arroyo, who has allowed a major leaguehigh 23 home runs this season.
That pain has meant a drop in velocity, as well as difficulties commanding his pitches.
“It’s a tough situation trying to perform when you feel like you’re running uphill and into the wind all the time,” Arroyo said. “I was hoping my arm would continue to get better and better as the year has gone on. It’s almost like it’s telling me, ‘Hey man, I’m not going to run this race for you anymore.’”