MARYVALE, Ariz. -- Just when Chad Fox was settling into the closer role, the Milwaukee Brewers' righthander has another elbow problem.
Fox walked into the Brewers' camp Wednesday morning with his right arm in a sling after undergoing X-rays Tuesday that revealed "something floating" behind the right elbow.
{INSERT_RELATED}"We don't know if it is a bone chip or what," said Fox, who came back from three surgeries on his elbow and arm to pitch for the Brewers last season and had been designated the closer this spring.
"I'll have a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) tomorrow and then be evaluated," Fox said. "It doesn't hurt when I throw, but I noticed it after my last time out (earlier this week).
"Believe me, I know what my elbow feels like when I have something major. I don't think this is anything that severe, but we want to be cautious."
Fox has struggled somewhat this spring, with a 10.13 ERA, but said earlier this week that he was satisfied with how he was throwing the ball.
He took over the closer role late last season after Curtis Leskanic struggled. Leskanic underwent shoulder surgery after the season and will start this season on the disabled list.
If Fox is unable to pitch, manager Davey Lopes will probably use Mike DeJean in the closer role.
"I hope it doesn't get to that point," Foz said. "It's very frustrating, but I've dealt with things like this before."
Here is the Fox feature we ran this morning, before the injury was reported.
MARYVALE, Ariz. -- Chad Fox was just happy to have a Milwaukee Brewers uniform in spring training last year.
While his uniform has No. 40 and Brewers on it this spring, it also could read CLOSER. That's a huge jump for the 31-year-old righthander.
"After what I went through, I was very happy to just make the team and get a uniform last spring," said Fox, who underwent three arm surgeries from 1998-2000 and looked more than once to be done.
"To have Tommy John surgery, plus a couple more repairs, and come back, took a lot of effort. I also give the organization a lot of credit. Not many would stick with a guy through three surgeries, give him a shot in relief and now as a closer."
Fox gets the closer role in part because of an injury to Curtis Leskanic, who will start the season on the disabled list.
"You never like to see a guy go down," said Fox, who earned two saves after taking over the closer role late last season. "I hope Curtis can come back. We can use every good arm possible.
"This also shows you have to be ready. A lot of opportunities come in this game because of injuries. You have to be ready. The team needs guys to step up in those situations."
Fox isn't preparing any differently this spring for the closer spot. "You still have to get guys out," he said. "The difference is that now I have to get them out at the end of the game.
"But, you don't want to put more pressure on yourself because of that. You primarily just have to go out, concentrate and get guys out."
Fox has been hit hard so far this spring, with a 10.13 ERA in six games. "I'm really not worried about the numbers down here," he said. "I want to get my arm in shape. I'm starting to get a feel for my pitches.
"The time is coming quickly though where the tone of the camp changes. You start setting up your rotation and staff, playing the regulars in the field."
Fox has always had closer's stuff when he is healthy. His sinker falls off the proverbial table. His slider can be wicked.
But, his health has always been an issue. Even before the Brewers obtained him from the Atlanta Braves' organization, he had reconstructive elbow surgery.
Because of that fact, and his somewhat rocky spring, manager Davey Lopes and pitching coach Dave Stewart have contingency plans.
Mike De Jean could close if Fox struggles. Ray King could even fill the spot in a pinch. And, the Brewers hope to have Leskanic back within the first couple months of the season.
Right now though, the job belongs to Fox. He wants to show that he appreciates the chance.
"I have always wanted to be a closer," he said. "Again, I feel a certain loyalty to the organization for sticking with me and giving me that chance. I want to do everything I can to make it worth their while."
