Agent: Isringhausen plans to pitch again

Veteran reliever Jason Isringhausen may be done for the season due to upcoming Tommy John surgery - his second elbow surgery in 10 months - but his agent says he plans to come back and pitch in the big leagues again.

"This is not a retirement sendoff," agent Dan Horwits told the Times in a phone interview.

An MRI Monday revealed Isringhausen, 36, has suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Horwits said Isringhausen will undergo surgery next Tuesday, and is hoping that after a 10-12 month rehab, he'll be able to pitch somewhere by the middle of next season.

"Knowing Jason, in every surgery he's ever had, he's come back early, so I wouldn't put it past him," Horwits said. "You never know."

Isringhausen immediately knew something was wrong when he threw a pitch in the ninth inning Saturday, and pulled himself out of the game. Horwits said Isringhausen spent some time talking with his family and doctor in St. Louis before making the decision to return. Isringhausen had battled his way back from elbow surgery in September, which ended his 2008 season with the Cardinals.

"He's actually ok, he was a little bit in shock when it happened and obviously disappointed because he had come back so far to where he was really feeling like he was turning a corner and ready to do it like he had before," Horwits said. "The initial shock was there and it's worn off. "

Isringhausen, who is on the 60-day disabled list, hasn't been available for comment since suffering the injury. Horwits said Isringhausen has "loved"" his time with the Rays and it "felt like home," so when and if the two-time All Star is ready to pitch again, "Andrew (Friedman) will be the first person I call."

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Comments

[TechnoPhobia]

I am currently in a state of shock that Izzy has the courage to try to come back after a second Tommy John surgery. Last fall's surgery was trivial compared to this. No one knows better than Izzy how painful, lonely, and difficult this will be, especially with no guarantees that any teams will be interested. I hope the Times will give us periodic updates re: his progress.
I have been a Cardinal fan all my life, but I have been very impressed with the Rays' class. No wonder Izzy wants to stay with the Rays! I'd love to see him back in a blue uniform either as a pitcher or as a bullpen coach.

[skp]

if we haven't picked up our requisite back-from-the-dead reliever (reyes, percival, izzy) next spring, maybe we'll give him a call...

in all seriousness though, it was a savvy pickup by the team that had lots of upside, but it didn't work this time. these are the chances a team like the rays have to take from time to time to keep up with the veteran depth our rivals can spend freely on.

[HG Pennypacker]

I wish him the best, hope the surgery goes well, and Izzy if you want to come back, I'd love to see you back as a Ray.

[joemaddonsucks.com]

Since he didn't pitch for 2 weeks then blew his arm out again, is it because of lack of pitching? He was damaged goods already so we'll never know, but wish him the best. He was actually pretty good except for the one Indians game this year, and simply had a different attitude than Percival. Percy was about Percy, Izzy cared about the team.

[Kennedy]

I hope Izzy gets to go out on his own terms and not this way. I'd rather remember him for all of his years with the Cardinals and not that 11-10 Indians game.