Bad news from the doc!
June 18, 2004
Andrew Zarzour couldn't believe his ears and made the team doctor repeat his diagnosis.
"Drew, the numbness and pain you're feeling in your leg is from a herniated disc in your lower back. I hate to say it but your season is over."
Season over.
Those words just hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity. Twelve hours ago, Andrew Zarzour had been the toast of Philadelphia, throwing a complete game shutout in an interleague win over Detroit. He had felt as good on the mound as he had in quite some time. Now he was being told that he won't be able to take the mound again in a game setting until 2005.
Surely his injury couldn't be this bad, right?
"I don't think you'll need surgery," the doctor continued. "This time of thing just needs time to heal. I''m going to recommend bed rest at first and then we'll gradually increase your activity and see how you do. I hate it for you, kid. But you've still got a big career ahead of you as long as we treat this right. And that means time, lots of time."
Season over.
Andrew Zarzour still couldn't believe it.
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Zarzour concludes his injury shortened season with a 4-5 record and a 3.11 ERA. In 12 starts, he had pitched 72.1 innings with 80 hits allowed, 29 runs, 25 earned runs, eight home runs surrendered (not so good), 11 walks and 71 strikeouts. He had struck out 21 in last two games with no walks.
Zarzour's career numbers at this point: 39-21 at major league level, 4.32 career ERA, 503 Ks, 129 BBs ... rats...
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