A’s trainer explains Blackburn’s season-ending finger injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
On Tuesday, the Athletics called up their top prospect Shea Langeliers to give a glimpse into the franchise’s future. But unfortunately, it coincided with the news regarding the team’s decision to shut down their All-Star pitcher Paul Blackburn for the season.
A’s trainer Nick Paparesta stated that Blackburn has a tear of the flexor tendon sheath in his right middle finger, for the San Francisco Chronicle’s Matt Kawahara.
“It’s just unfortunate because he was having a great year, and I know at times when he had that injury, he probably tried to pitch through,” NBC Sports California A’s analyst Bip Roberts said Tuesday on “A’s Postgame Live.”
“So I think it’s the right thing to do because, again, there’s nothing you can do when it comes to baseball, and you can’t use your fingers, and you’re a pitcher.”
Furthermore, the 28-year-old will wear a splint for the next six weeks, Paparesta said, and then the team intends to re-evaluate Blackburn after three weeks as both sides hope to avoid surgery.
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Blackburn’s focus will now be to get healthy and prepare for Spring Training ahead of the 2023 MLB season. The A’s starting pitcher hopes to replicate his 2022 campaign, which saw him become an All-Star.
Oakland’s ace closes his year with a 7-6 record and a 4.28 ERA.