Nov 6, 2009

MLB's Dodgers' Padilla Injured In Shooting Accident

Los Angeles Pitcher Shot In Leg By Target Instructor

The Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Vicente Padilla is currently recovering from a bullet wound in his leg after being accidentally shot by his target range instructor. Dr. Eduardo Reguera from Managua's Metropolitan Hospital reported that Padilla was recovering in the hospital from the gunshot wound, but that Padilla would not need to be surgically treated for the apparent accident. Conflicting accounts as to the exact circumstances that led to the injury have been reported. Police spokesman Vilma Reyes said Wednesday that Padilla's pistol jammed during a target shooting session late Tuesday so he handed the gun to his instructor who didn't realize that there was a bullet in the chamber. According to the story that Padilla's legal advisor, Roberto Calderon, told the Associated Press, the former police captain accidentally shot himself in the hand and the bullet then grazed Padilla's leg. However, Padilla' agent, Adam Katz, told the LA Times that the injury Padilla suffered was a result of a hunting accident.

Although I find it very strange to have heard two totally different accounts as to the actual cause of the injury, the result of what occurred will have no bearing at all on Padilla's future with the Dodgers, or his ability to fully recover in time to pitch during spring training next season. Padilla, who was acquired buy the Dodgers in August, had a 4-0 record with a 3.20 ERA during the last two months of the regular MLB season so he is a good baseball bet to return to the Dodgers' starting rotation next season. Despite the fact that he was shelled for 6 runs in just 3 innings in the final game of the NLCS, he did show promising potential by allowing only 1 run in 7 1/3 inning of work against the Phillies in game 2 of the NLCS. His return to the rotation will likely make the Dodgers the sportbooks' betting line favorite to win the NL West division again next season, especially since they still will have manager Joe Torre, who has one final year remaining on his contract, running the show.

By Bryan Jackson
Staff Writer
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