Rays starting pitcher Alex Cobb has recovered well from his concussion, but another ailment seems to be delaying his return now. According to MLB.com, Cobb had to be removed from his last rehab start after just two pitches due to a blister on his right index finger.
"It sounds like a pretty wimpy injury but it's pitchers' kryptonite, it really is," Cobb said Friday. "It's not something you can pitch around. It's there on every pitch. You can't alter arm angles or the way you pitch. That's the last place the ball leaves your body and you feel it."
Cobb is going to try to pitch again Saturday Class A Charlotte, and the blister is not considered a major impediment to his eventual return to the rotation. Manager Joe Maddon told MLB.com Friday he expects Cobb back with the team by the time they return from a road trip Aug. 13.
"Isn't it awkward?" Maddon said. "He gets hit in the head and a blister is keeping him out. It's strange but it also speaks to the power of the blister. When pitchers get blisters, man, it can really make a big difference. Go back to Nolan Ryan with the pickle brine. Samson can come to his knees with a blister. He'll be fine."