Braves’ Closer Could Be Out for Season

Atlanta Brave closer Kerry Ligtenberg has a partially torn ligament in his right elbow and will be sidelined for at least one month and possibly the entire season.

After examining the results of Thursday’s MRI exam, Dr. Joe Chandler said under a best-case prognosis, Ligtenberg would be able to resume throwing in four to six weeks. However, he could need surgery that would end his season.

“The uncertainty of whether it’s going to heal or not is what’s bothering me,” Ligtenberg said. “I don’t like the fact that I’m going to be resting and trying to make it better when there’s no way we can really tell if it gets better until I go out on the mound again.”

Ligtenberg had appeared in two games this spring, giving up five runs Wednesday in his first save situation, a 10-7 loss to Houston. He said he felt pain against the first batter and it never got better.

Ligtenberg, who took over the closer’s role in 1998 after Mark Wohlers experienced control problems and was sent to the minors, had 30 saves in 34 chances last season.

“It is a substantial blow to our bullpen,” said Brave General Manager John Schuerholz, who told his scouts to be on the lookout for potential replacements. “But a lot of people in our organization have always thought John Rocker could fill that role.”

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