SAN DIEGO -- While John Thomson and the Braves aren't quite sure about the significance of his injury, there's obvious concern that the right-handed starter could be absent for more than just a start or two.

Thomson was forced to leave Monday night's start against the Padres at PETCO Park because of what the Braves are calling a strained flexor tendon in his right middle finger. His status will be better known when he returns to Atlanta to visit a hand specialist.

 

"I don't know what's going to happen," a dejected Thomson said. "I can't squeeze anything right now."

 

After he released a 1-0 fastball to Mark Loretta, Thomson's finger popped loud enough for first baseman Adam LaRoche to hear it. Immediately, the veteran hurler balled over in pain and was quickly assisted by head athletic trainer Jeff Porter and manager Bobby Cox.

 

"It kind of worries me, something like that," Cox said. "That's what you throw with. I don't see him making his next start."

 

If Thomson were to miss just one start, it would likely be a relief to him. Although X-rays showed that there wasn't a fracture, he knows there could be some type of tear that would force him to miss a significant amount of time.

 

"I'm frustrated because I have no idea how long I'm going to be out," said Thomson, who is 11-3 with a 2.85 ERA since last year's All-Star break. "I have no idea and that's the most frustrating part."

 

Thomson's next scheduled start was set for Sunday afternoon at Fenway Park. Because there is a day off on Thursday, the rotation could be fixed and John Smoltz, who is scheduled to pitch Tuesday, would start Sunday's game on regular rest.

 

That could be altered if Mike Hampton, who exited Saturday's game in the third inning with tightness in his left forearm, is unable to make his start on Friday. But all indications are that the veteran southpaw will be fine.

 

Thomson will visit Dr. Gary Lourie, a hand specialist located in Atlanta on Tuesday or Wednesday. His flight from San Diego to Atlanta won't land until 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday night.

 

 

 

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/n...t=.jsp&c_id=atl

 

 

UPDATE:

 

I read on a Atlanta Braves site that Thomson is going to be out for about 2-3 months.. Ouch!

 

Braves Site!

That is good for the Marlins.

I have full confidence that the Braves will persevere and find a way to win despite the injuries :plain

UPDATE:

 

I read on a Atlanta Braves site that Thomson is going to be out for about 2-3 months.. Ouch!

 

Braves Site!

Huge loss for them. Wow.

Crap, he AND danny kolb are on my fantasy team. well, that's what i get for sleeping with the enemy.

From ESPN

 

Thomson felt pop in finger when throwing pitchAssociated Press

 

ATLANTA -- Braves pitcher John Thomson will miss up to three months because of an injured finger, depriving Atlanta of one of its most effective starters.

 

He hurt his right middle finger during Monday night's game at San Diego, general manager John Schuerholz said Thursday.

 

While the initial diagnosis was a strained tendon flexor, the first-place Braves worried it was much worse. An MRI confirmed their fears, showing the right-hander actually has a partial tear to the supporting structure around the tendon.

 

Surgery won't be required, but it will be at least a month before Thomson can pick up a baseball to begin his rehabilitation.

 

"The prognosis is he will miss two to three months," Schuerholz said. "Of course, that's devastating news for John, first off, and for us as well."

 

Thomson said he felt a pop in his finger when he threw a pitch and a sharp pain that caused him to hop off the mound holding his hand.

 

He is 11-3 with a 2.78 ERA in 24 starts since early July. In eight starts this season, Thomson is 3-2 with a 3.42 ERA.

 

The Braves already called up reliever Matt Childers from Triple-A Richmond of the International League, but they haven't decided who will take Thomson's spot in the rotation. Schuerholz said an announcement would be made Friday before the start of a three-game series at Boston.

 

The Braves were swept in a three-game set at San Diego but still led the NL East by a half-game over Florida.

Well, I wouldn't wish any harm to anyone, but this is pretty good for us.

On one hand, i'm glad that he's gone, great news for the Marlins.

 

On the other hand, he was on my f***ing fantasy team and you know how that story goes :thumbup .

Tough luck. I wonder how long it will be before Smoltz is on the DL.