Mark Mulder's comeback took an unexpected turn Saturday in training camp. Read it: ankle injury. Official diagnosis is expected Sunday, but reports suggest a ruptured Achilles' tendon. Game over.
A 36-year-old lefthander, Mulder is bidding to resume his pitching career. He retired in 2010 and hasn't appeared in the majors since 2008.
News of his injury came Saturday via MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez from Los Angeles Angels training camp.
X-rays were taken, according to media reports. Mulder's expected bullpen session was cancelled. Mulder was injured while warming up for his throwing time.
The Angels are interested in Mulder, who despite his lengthy layoff was viewed as a potential member of their rotation.
Mulder's career was cut short by shoulder injuries. He hadn't won a game since 2006. However, he made a change in his delivery, inspired by the Los Angeles Dodgers' Paco Rodriguez, and liked what he could do. Given his success, he held a tryout session in November, according to the Los Angeles Times.
"You could tell right away this was a little different than most guys who do these things," said Tim Huff, special assistant to Angels GM Jerry Dipoto, told the Times. "After 10 pitches, all three of us kind of looked at each other and said, 'Who's going to get on the phone to their GMs faster?' "
The Angels, loaded with high-priced stars but a dud last season, have problems with their rotation. They'll monitor Mulder, but anything more than a minor sprain will hurt his chances and their pitching prospects.