Merkin Me Crazy

Valdez goes on DL with elbow injury

MRI exam set for today. Not a good sign for a guy who's had reconstructive surgery. A shame because he was really starting to display the talent the Giants saw in him when they acquired him in the Russ Ortiz deal way back in 2002.

All the best to the kid.

Alex Hinshaw has been called up to replace him. He's an interesting kid in his own right. He's been absolutely dominant in AAA after a fantastic 2007 season in Connecticut.

UPDATE (2:46PM) - For what it's worth, from the official site:

Although Valdez underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in September 2006, manager Bruce Bochy reiterated that the 26-year-old's current injury is located in a "slightly different area" of his elbow.

"We think it's fine, but we don't want to put him out there and risk any major setbacks," Bochy said. "We want to err on the side of caution."