Chuck James is pitching more innings than at any time of his young career, and a "dead arm" has finally caught up to him.
James is suffering from inflammation in a left shoulder tendon, and will skip a start to see whether rest can get some life back in his fastball. He will be replaced tonight against the Reds by rookie Jo-Jo Reyes.The Braves will make a roster move but have no immediate plans to put James on the disabled list.
"We're trying not to disable him," manager Bobby Cox said. "I don't think we have to. I think it'll be all right if he just misses a start."
James, 25, has pitched 136-1/3 innings this year. He threw 153 innings overall last year, but only 119 in Atlanta.
"He's always been the guy who never missed in the minor leagues," Cox said. "He's thrown more than normal kids in the minors and up here. ... I've always tried to watch him a little bit because he's accumulated a lot through his minor-league career and up here."
James will miss next start | ajc.com