Kerry Wood Lands On DL

By: Stephen Patterson

Cleveland Indians' reliever Kerry Wood is on the disabled list for the second time this season, this time with a blister on his right index finger. Wood will be eligible to return on July 27 since he was retroactively placed on the DL Monday. While many pitchers miss time due to small cuts and blisters on their throwing hands, for the amount of money they make, I would think they could afford Band-Aids and play through some pain.

So far this season, Wood has eight saves with a 6.90 ERA for the Indians. He is one of the best available relievers at the deadline, but this injury may hurt his chances of being moved to another team before July 31. Wood is currently making $10.5 million this season, and has a team option for $11 million in 2011. With an expiring salary that large, I expect one of the contending teams will make a move for the reliever.

Wood was a highly touted pitcher with the Cubs, but never lived up to expectations because of constant injuries and misuse by the franchise. He has had a moderately successful season this year with Cleveland, and would be a good addition for any team looking for bullpen help. I expect the Yankees will be one of the teams to at least consider acquiring Wood to help with middle inning relief during their push for a repeat.