Brewers send injured Gagne packing
Canadian reliever to rehab sore shoulder in Arizona
The challenge for relief pitcher Eric Gagne is no longer securing a job in the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen but rather working towards full health.
Milwaukee on Sunday released Gagne so the Mascouche, Que., native could rehabilitate his sore right (throwing) shoulder at a private facility in Tempe, Ariz.
Gagne, 33, had not pitched in a spring training game before developing soreness in the shoulder. An MRI detected damage to the rotator cuff and labrum. Dr. Lewis Yocum recommended Gagne receive a cortisone injection and rehab as an option to surgery.
A former Cy Young Award winner as the National League's top pitcher, Gagne was a non-roster invitee on a minor-league contract after he posted a 4-3 record with a 5.44 earned-run average in 50 relief appearances in 2008.
Had he broke camp with the Brewers, Gagne would have had a $1.5-million US base salary, with the possibility of making an additional $3 million in performance incentives.
In December 2007, he signed a $10-million one-year contract with Milwaukee, but finished last season with 10 saves in 17 chances.
Gagne is 33-26 lifetime with a 3.47 ERA and 187 saves in 402 appearances (48 starts) over 10 seasons in the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and Brewers.