The Oklahoma City Diamond Kings are off to a fine start in 1977 and are currently battling with the Brewers for 1st place in the MGL.
But they got some bad news a few days ago when they found out that starting pitcher/shortstop Danny McGrath will miss likely at least 4 months of play following surgery to remove a bone spur in his elbow.
McGrath is just 24 years old and in his second season with the big league club and while he hasn't yet emerged as a premium starting pitcher (though he possesses an excellent changeup and good movement) he is already perhaps the best hitter on the club and a fine defensive shortstop who can turn a double play with the best of them. He has been plagued with a series of rather minor injuries in his professional career and this latest likely raises questions about whether it might be better that he transition to an infielder solely and not risk further arm injuries by pitching, thus taking his potent bat out of the lineup. (He could also be a decent left fielder.)
