Down Goes Joba

Via The Yankee Analysts -

Joba Chamberlain suffered a major ankle injury yesterday while playing with his son at a children’s play center. It’s being called an open dislocation of his right ankle. For those not in the medical field, an open dislocation is like a compound fracture where there is a break in skin at the area of the joint. Surgery was performed on the ankle last night and Joba is currently recovering in the hospital.

Needless to say, this is a very serious injury. No timetable for Joba’s return has been determined, nor has it been officially determined if the injury is career-threatening. Cash summed it up best by calling this a “massive” loss for the Yankees. More details on this story to follow as they become available.

I admit that this news really sucks, but unlike some I don't believe this is a "massive" blow to the team at all. The Yankees already have one of the best bullpens in baseball, thanks mainly to Rafael Soriano, David Robertson, and Mariano Rivera. This does throw questions marks at the bullpen for future seasons, especially if Rivera does retire at season's end. However, with as many good arms as the team has in the minors, I'm sure somebody there will step up and fill a key role in the 'pen.

I wish Joba the best, and hope this isn't career threatening at all.