Jeremy Bonderman is attempting to make a comeback to the major leagues.
The former Pasco High School and Detroit Tigers pitcher had elbow-ligament replacement surgery in the hopes of reviving his career after a two-year absence.
“I’d like to get into a camp next spring and maybe start off the season in the minor leagues,” Bonderman, 29, said in a telephone interview. “I just want another shot and give it one more chance.”
Bonderman hasn’t pitched since 2010 when he was 8-10 and had a 5.53 ERA in 29 starts. The right-hander’s career record is 67-77 with a 4.89 ERA in 193 starts over eight seasons with the Tigers.
Detroit wasn’t interested in bringing him back in 2011, and Bonderman said he “blew out” his elbow that winter, trying to get ready to sign with the Cleveland Indians.
“I was burned out,” he said. “Now, I’ve got the itch to play again and I’m in better shape than I was a couple years ago.”
Oakland drafted Bonderman in June 2001, making him the first U.S. resident to be drafted after his junior year in high school. Bonderman skipped his senior year at Pasco after earning a general equivalency diploma. Detroit acquired Bonderman in 2002 as part of a three-way deal that sent pitcher Jeff Weaver to the New York Yankees
Bonderman lost 19 games as a 20-year-old rookie in 2003 – for a Tigers team that lost an American League-record 119 games – and won at least 11 games in each of the next four seasons.
He was 14-8 in 2006 and had a 3.10 ERA in three postseason starts to help Detroit reach the World Series for the first time since 1984. He was then rewarded with a $38 million, four-year deal.
After Bonderman had a winning record in three straight seasons, a blood clot in his right shoulder stunted a promising career in 2008 and he never fully recovered from the setback.
Tigers manager Jim Leyland was glad to hear Bonderman is trying to get back on the mound.
“He’s one of the good guys – good for him,” Leyland said. “I hope it works out.”
TIGERS RELEASE VETERAN INGE
Slumping third baseman Brandon Inge was released by the Detroit Tigers after their 5-4 loss to the Mariners on Thursday. Inge is batting .100 (2-for-20) with a home run and two RBI. Inge, 34, is in his 12th season in the majors, all with Detroit.
SHORT HOPS
Mets starter Mike Pelfrey has a partial tear in his right elbow and is “99 percent” certain he will have reconstructive Tommy John surgery that will sideline him until next year. … After a visit to reknowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, it was determined that Red Sox left fielder Carl Crawford has a sprained ligament in his throwing elbow and he will remain sidelined for a while. … The Padres put pitcher Micah Owings on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right forearm. … Blue Jays starter Dustin McGowan has experienced shoulder pain while rehabilitating a foot injury and will be shut down for two weeks.
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