Remember Matt Chico?

Posted by Cheryl Nichols | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 | , , | 2 comments »

Posted by Cheryl Nichols

The buzz in NatsTown yesterday was on the draft and the future young pitchers of the Nationals. While we were focused on our first four picks, another promising pitcher was starting to make his way back from a long time injury.

Matt Chico made a rehab start for Hagerstown last night and pitched the first two innings of the game for the Suns. He allowed two runs on three hits while striking out two Lakewood BlueClaws batters.

The left-handed starter pitched in 31 games for the Nats in 2007 and went 7-9 with a 167.0 IP, 4.63 ERA ,94 SO and 74 BB. Chico only pitched eleven games in 2008 and then went on the 60-Day DL last May where he has remained. June 12, 2008, Dr. James Andrews confirmed that he had significant ossification of his ulnar collateral ligament and loose bodies in the back of his left throwing elbow and had Tommy John surgery on July 3, 2008.

Matt was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the second round of the 2001 amateur draft, but did not sign. He was then drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third round of the 2003 amateur draft. In case you don't remember how Chico became a Nat, he and Garrett Mock were traded from Arizona to the Washington Nationals for Livan Hernandez and cash on August 7, 2006.

It also happens to be Matt's birthday today. Happy 26th Birthday Matt Chico! We hope that the rehab goes well and we look forward to seeing at Nationals Park soon.

AP Photo

2 comments

  1. Andrew Lang // June 10, 2009 at 5:30 PM  

    That man was an innings eater. Thanks for reminding us how he got here and hopefully he can compete again in the future!

  2. Cheryl Nichols // June 11, 2009 at 12:01 AM  

    Sure thing Andrew. Sounds like he will be in Hagerstown while Drew Storen is there so sounds like a mini road trip is in order. :)