Joba Chamberlain Struggles In Return
NEW YORK (WFAN) - Joba Chamberlain's long road back to the Bronx finally ended on Wednesday night as he made a relief appearance in the Yankees' 12-3 rout of the Orioles.
It was a lopsided victory for the Yankees, but it wasn't a perfect return for Chamberlain.
He surrendered a home run to J.J. Hardy on his second pitch of the season.
Chamberlain's 85 mile per hour slider was launched by Hardy over the left field wall. It barely made it over the wall, much to Joba's chagrin. It wasn't the season debut the Yankees' reliever was expecting.
The 26-year-old right-hander ended up going 1 and 2/3 innings, surrendering 2 earned runs on four hits. On a positive note, Chamberlain was able to strike out four Orioles while only giving up one walk.
It was a difficult journey back to the major leagues for Chamberlain who hadn't pitched a big league game since June 5, 2011. He underwent Tommy John surgery, had an appendectomy,tore his MCL and badly injured his ankle in a freak trampoline accident in March.
Yankee fans are hoping that Chamerblain can avoid another unfortunate injury and get back to the level required to make the Yankees' postseason roster.
Can Joba have a positive end to a difficult year? Let us hear your thoughts...
