TCU's Purke Out Indefinitely With Shoulder Soreness

April 20th, 2011

COLLEGE STATION - TCU left-hander Matt Purke is out indefinitely after soreness developed in his throwing shoulder Saturday at San Diego State.

TCU coach Jim Schlossnagle said Purke, who is eligible for the major-league draft in June, will have his shoulder examined by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla., today.

"The best-case scenario is he's fine and maybe gets a shot if it's tendinitis or bursitis," Schlossnagle said.

Purke (4-1) will not pitch this weekend against UNLV. Schlossnagle hopes he can return in two or three weeks or rejoin the team for the Mountain West Conference tournament May 24-28.

Purke has lost velocity in the middle innings, including in the fourth Saturday.

"It's real important at this time for Matt to think about Matt," Schlossnagle said. "There are a lot of elite pitchers like him who would have been very selfish and not picked up a ball. That's very unique for a guy who has a lot on the line personally and professionally."

Purke was drafted in the first round by the Texas Rangers in June 2009, but turned down a hefty contract to attend TCU.

-- Stefan Stevenson
Article Courtesy of The MWC