Friars fans were hit with some very tragic news last Friday when RHP Craig Stammen exited a Spring Training exhibition early with a serious shoulder injury. Due to severe tears to the same arm he had just been nursing a few months prior, the 38-year-old revealed he didn't think he would ever be able to pitch for San Diego again.
However, Stammen hasn't given up on all hope. In an emotional interview with '97.3 The Fan' where he was fighting back tears but also enjoying the media's presence, the veteran pitcher shared that he at least wants to give himself a shot to play again,
"There's a lot of questions of what the next steps are," said Stammen. "Pitching is probably not going to happen but, you never know, I might hold out hope and resurface at some point. I do want to do the rehab and see where I can get, at least healthy."
Baseball fans around the world should be applauding Stammen's efforts at his age to not only try and bounce back from this injury, but also for taking on the challenge of San Diego's training camp in the first place. Competing amongst members of one of the most talented groups in the league is no easy task and the RHP was more than holding his own in his first few Catcus League games.
Stammen is a clear example of somebody who truly loves the game and the hardships that come with it. He was bring forth energy that a squad with championship aspirations on their mind could definitely use. Having been a part of the franchise since 2017, he is well-established in their culture and the Friars' executives should take care of him regardless of whether he plays again or not.
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