Bumgarner bummed about dirt bike crash
Ill-fated ride ‘not the most responsible decision I’ve made,’ Giants hurler says
Of all the calamities to befall the San Francisco Giants during their disastrous start to the season, the injury to Madison Bumgarner was the worst, not only because it took out their best pitcher for an extended period, but because it was so avoidable.
After injuring his throwing shoulder in a dirt-bike crash last week, Bumgarner described engaging in that activity as “stupid” and said it was “definitely not the most responsible decision” he has made.
Initial reports had the 2014 World Series MVP out for six to eight weeks, but it has also been suggested he will miss the entire season. Bumgarner said Monday it’s “hard to put a timetable” on his recovery, but he “would certainly be disappointed” if he can’t come back this season.
The Giants were enjoying an off-day in Denver before a series against the Rockies when the injury occurred. The team was 6-10 at the time, 0-4 in Bumgarner’s starts despite his solid 3.00 ERA. They went on to get swept by Colorado, plummeting to the National League’s worst record at 6-13.
Bumgarner said he was close to finishing a two-hour ride with a pair of family members and he did not take any excessive risks.
“I’m not exactly sure what happened. It was a surprise to me, too,” he said (via The Associated Press). “I wish I had some kind of cool story for you that it was some kind of crazy wreck, but it really wasn’t anything spectacular, just super unfortunate.
“I was actually being pretty safe the whole time — it was just a freak deal ... Like I said, I wish I had some kind of good story to tell everybody, but I don’t. It’s terrible. Obviously, that was not my intention when I set out to enjoy the off day. I realize that’s definitely not the most responsible decision I’ve made. It sucks not being able to be out here with my guys and try to help us win some games. It’s just very unfortunate. I’ve talked to a lot them. They know where I’m at and everybody’s been super supportive, too — the organization, the guys, everything.”
Bumgarner, his left arm in a sling, spoke while sitting in the Giants’ dugout at AT&T Park before a home series against the Dodgers. He was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint and bruised ribs and said he did not think his shoulder suffered structural damage, though he was set to have an MRI exam.
A North Carolina native, Bumgarner claimed he “pretty much grew up” riding dirt bikes and frequently does it in the offseason, but said he didn’t think he had during an MLB season. He acknowledged his contract prohibits dangerous activities, saying, “I think there’s quite a bit of stuff in there, but that’s probably not the first time I’ve made a stupid decision. I mean, we are humans.”
Bumgarner said when he met with Giants officials, including CEO Larry Baer, general manager Bobby Evans and manager Bruce Bochy, he was “obviously expecting the worst, and rightfully so.”
However, he said, “The team and the front office and everybody have been super encouraging about it, and positive, and have been really good to me throughout this process so far.”
“Bum’s in a better place right now,” Bochy said.
“He was pretty beat up the first day when I saw him but he’s walking around and his spirits are better. I think he feels a lot better about his situation now.”