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Sports

Hargrove not likely to pitch at all this season

Right-hander will probably undergo exploratory surgery 
on his throwing shoulder next week

by RONNIE TURNER
The Daily Cougar

A few weeks ago, all signs were positive for UH junior pitcher Ricky Hargrove. The injured right-hander was locked into a light throwing program and was progressing so well that head coach Rayner Noble figured Hargrove wasn't far away from making his season debut.

That is until two weeks ago, when Hargrove, who has battled soreness in his throwing shoulder all season, began to throw off the mound. During this time, he really began to unleash his fastball, only to find that the pain had returned.

Now Hargrove will likely be sent back to renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrew in Birmingham, Ala., for exploratory surgery to determine the cause of the irritation. He could undergo the procedure as early as next week.

This new development means that Hargrove is likely done for this season.

"I think the (chance) of him pitching this year is maybe 1 percent," Noble said.

Hargrove isn't the only pitcher who will have to shut it down. Noble also said sophomore right-hander Luis Flores will probably not pitch for the rest of the season because of complications with his right elbow. Instead, Flores (1-1, 6.10 ERA) will focus primarily on his duties as the Cougars No. 1 catcher.

Hargrove and Flores, who were expected to be key members of the Cougars' starting rotation, both went down around the same time in January. 

Hargrove started throwing long toss a few weeks ago but never could fully rid himself of his shoulder pain. That's unfortunate for the Cougars, because he was one of the team's top pitchers a season ago after finishing 8-6 with a 3.31 ERA in 22 appearances (14 starts).

Hargrove wishes the situation were different, but he accepts it.

"It's tough, but I have to face the fact that I'm not going to pitch," he said. "All I can do now is show up for moral support and try to help our team win."

Because the Cougars have completed more than 50 percent of their 2007 schedule, Hargrove can no longer receive a medical redshirt. However, if he doesn't pitch at all this season, he would retain two years of eligibility because of NCAA rules that allow athletes to participate four years during a five-year period.

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