From Rotoworld:

 

Ryan Tucker is battling Raynaud's disease.

Raynaud's disease is a condition that causes the hands to feel numb in response to cold conditions or stress. "I have quite an issue when it comes to the cold," said Tucker, who admitted he's struggled when temperatures dipped into the 50s. The 2005 first-round pick has a career minor league ERA of 3.88 in five seasons and should stay at Triple-A New Orleans for most of this coming season.

Thank god he pitches in Florida.

Thank god he pitches in Florida.

 

 

I LOL'd.

Or when stressed? That can't be good at all as a pitcher.

Or when stressed? That can't be good at all as a pitcher.

 

Especially one you would want to be a closer

This begs the question, Will he ever contribute anything?? I'm not trying to be cold but this might affect his ability to play in April or October???

That is bad news. I suppose the Marlins will have to buy him a portable heater for the dugout and bullpen if he makes the club to keep himself warm during the fall. The stress though, that is a different story. I suppose a Xanax script might be in order. Any way you look at it, if he is able to succeed at the highest level with this disease it will be a definite testament to his skill and willpower.

Or when stressed? That can't be good at all as a pitcher.

 

 

I really didn't get that part. I can understand the cold affecting him, but get lost on how stress can affect blood flow to the extremities. It was diagnosed when he started in the Minors so I can only assume they have been looking into medications for him and either haven't found the right one for him or it's not out there.

 

But there is hope. Maybe something "experimental". Remember Ross used to have hammy problems all the time, and then a couple off seasons ago went through some experimental injections (his own blood injected directly into his hammy) and that seems to have solved the problem. Not that the same thing can be done, but the team seems open to try different things for the players.