Matt Bouchard goes down with an injury … again?!
Longtime Cyclone star infielder Matt Bouchard has come down with yet another injury that has cut his season short.
Last season, the 22-year-old Bouchard was injured with a left hip strain that sidelined the future Mets infielder. It happened again this year — but this time, the wounded labrum requires surgery that is scheduled for today, said manager Pedro Lopez.
That surgery will, alas, end Bouchard’s season.
But Lopez’s frustrations are only beginning. Losing a batter like Bouchard — who was hitting .408 (and slugging .592) — has forced the skipper to change his lineup repeatedly to fill the void.
“He was leading the league in hitting and he was on base all the time, so have gave us the opportunity to drive in runs,” said Doc Doyle, who has not had an RBI since July 8. “Since he’s out for the year it takes a big bat out of the lineup but we need someone to step up.”
And the team has also missed the on-field support and off-field coaching of Bouchard — who has been a Cyclone (on and off) for three years.
“Matt has helped the kids in the clubhouse who are new to this experience,” Lopez said. “He was that guy that brought comfort that you need in the lineup and in the clubhouse. He knows how to coach the younger players and keep them grounded.
“But Matt really has no business being here because he’s that good of a player. He’s definitely a major-league player,” Lopez concluded.
