TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain dislocated his right ankle while playing with his son at a local spot that had a trampoline, jeopardizing his immediate future after yet another odd misstep for New York’s bullpen at spring training.
Chamberlain has surgery
after dislocating ankle
TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain dislocated his right ankle while playing with his son at a local spot that had a trampoline, jeopardizing his immediate future after yet another odd misstep for New York’s bullpen at spring training.
There was no timetable for Chamberlain’s return. The team did not say whether the 26-year-old pitcher was using the trampoline equipment when he was injured Thursday.
The accident at a play area came two weeks after All-Star setup man David Robertson hurt himself moving boxes at home.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Friday that Chamberlain had surgery and would be hospitalized at least a few days. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound righty was working his way back from elbow ligament replacement surgery and wasn’t expected to return until June or July.
Asked Friday if this could threaten Chamberlain’s career, Cashman said: “I’m not in position to say. Right now it’s too early for that. He’s in very good hands. He’s a healer. He’s a tough guy.”
Bone broke through the skin during the dislocation. Chamberlain was scheduled for an MRI exam and CT scan Friday.
Johnson, NASCAR take
opposing lessons from appeal
FONTANA, Calif. — Jimmie Johnson insists his car was perfectly legal at the Daytona 500, and he believes NASCAR’s chief appellate officer proved it this week by rescinding most of the penalties levied against crew chief Chad Knaus.
“Through the appeal process, we’ve proved that those C-posts were legal,” the five-time champion driver said Friday.
NASCAR President Mike Helton reached the opposite conclusion from the same process, and he points to Knaus’ $100,000 fine left intact by chief appellate officer John Middlebrook as evidence.
“That tells you that the inspection process was correct, and there was an issue with the car,” Helton said.
No wonder much of the garage at Auto Club Speedway is surprised and confused as they get back to work this weekend in Johnson’s native Southern California.
At least Johnson and Helton both feel it’s time to move on from the debate that could have ruined Johnson’s season shortly after it began.
“I guess this is one of those positions where we agree to disagree,” Johnson said.
Helton staunchly defended Middlebrook against criticism of Tuesday’s surprising ruling, rejecting presumptions of a bias toward Hendrick Motorsports. Helton also defended the autocratic nature of Middlebrook’s job, which doesn’t require him to give any rationale for his decisions.
Center Jeff Saturday agrees
to 2-year deal with Packers
MILWAUKEE — The Green Bay Packers made a rare reach into unrestricted free agency to find a new anchor for their offensive line, agreeing to a two-year deal with veteran free agent center Jeff Saturday on Friday.
Saturday’s agent, Ralph Cindrich, confirmed the deal Friday afternoon. ESPN reported the deal earlier Friday.
The 36-year-old Saturday has started 188 regular season games in 13 NFL seasons.
He replaces former Packers starter Scott Wells, who signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent.
By wire sources
