Mark

DiFelice

DiFelice made it back to the major leagues this season after missing all of 2010 following shoulder surgery, but was shut down in late-June after renewed soreness. Now 35 years old, his future is very much in doubt.

DiFelice was given permission by the club to attend a funeral in Philadelphia, and is not expected to return until early next week. The rest should help his ailing right elbow. He has a 1.16 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 23/4 K/BB ratio in 23 1/3 innings this season.

DiFelice had been attending funeral services for his grandmother in Philadelphia for the last few days. He returns to an impressive 1.16 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 23/4 K/BB ratio.

“It’s better again today, but it’s still not there,” DiFelice said. He’s still hoping to pitch before leaving the team Saturday to attend a funeral in Philadelphia, but NL-only leaguers squeezed for roster space shouldn’t feel bad about dropping him.

DiFelice will attend a funeral in Philadelphia over the weekend, and the rest should do his sore elbow some good. Former Red Sox prospect Chris Smith will be called up to take DiFelice’s bullpen spot.

The reliever hopes to be able to resume throwing on Wednesday. On a non-injury related note, DiFelice is also expected to be away from the team this weekend to attend the funeral of his grandmother.

DiFelice feared that the injury, suffered Sunday, was similar to the one that caused him to need surgery following the 2001 season. He will be shut down for four days before being re-evaluated. The 32-year old has been an impressive contributor out of the Brewers’ bullpen.

DiFelice dodged a bullet when an MRI on his right shoulder came back clean, but the injury is apparently serious enough for the Brewers to shut him down. The 33-year-old right-hander was 4-1 with a 3.66 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 59 games this season, but had a 9.45 ERA over his last 20 appearances.

DiFelice had a 3.95 ERA in 13 2/3 innings after making his major league debut with the Brewers in May. The now 32-year-old right-hander will work in middle relief.

Sheets threw just 54 pitches in five scoreless innings before being replaced by Carlos Villanueva against the Mets. He should be considered day-to-day. If he can’t make his next start, Mark DiFelice could be a candidate to step in.