NEWSFLASH: Padilla Headed To DL

According to Richad Durrett of the Dallas Morning News, right-hander Vicente Padilla is headed to the 15-day disabled list with a sore right triceps muscle. Durrett also notes that the injury has bothered Padilla since spring training, and that he was reluctant to go on the disabled list.

Meanwhile, Anthony Andro of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says that Padilla tried to throw a bullpen session on Sunday, but that pitching coach Mark Connor ended the session after talking with Padilla. Vicente would have made his next start on Tuesday in Detroit, against former Ranger Kenny Rogers. Ron Washington says that Joaquin Benoit, Willie Eyre or John Koronka could make the start in his place.

Needless to say, this isn't a good development for Padilla or the Rangers. It's clear something has been wrong with him since the start of the season, and there's a very real possibility that he's headed for an appointment with Dr. James Andrews in the near future. Tommy John surgery would have Padilla back sometime in mid-2008 as a best case scenario.