By Bill Ladson / MLB.com
WASHINGTON -- About 20 minutes after the final out of the Nationals' heartbreaking defeat to the Indians on Saturday night, right-hander John Patterson announced that he had suffered a major setback earlier in the day. He had to quit his bullpen session because he felt pain in his right elbow and biceps.
Patterson was working on fixing his mechanics in the session, and he tried to go all out by throwing his fastball. That's when he had to stop.
Patterson said he is planning to see four doctors this week. He will first go Arlington, Texas, to see Dr. John Conway on Monday and then visit Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angels' medical director, the next day. Patterson did not announce who the other two doctors were.
Patterson has been on the disabled list since May 6 because of the elbow and biceps problems. Since that time, Patterson has been having neck massages in order to get rid of the nerve problems in the elbow. Patterson had indicated in the past that the treatment was working.
"I just can't continue to go the way that I'm going right now. We are going to get some second opinions and see if we can get the problems fixed," Patterson said. "We haven't been able to get answers so far."
"Throughout this whole process, it has never really gone away. There were days that were better than others. I think what we have been doing has been helping the situation a little bit. It's just hasn't completely gone away. We are burning time right now. We have done what we can do here."
Patterson had a rehab start for Class A Potomac on Thursday night. He pitched three innings and gave up one run on three hits against Winston-Salem. Patterson struck out one batter and walked two.
Patterson said he was pain-free during the game, but his mechanics were off. He believed that was the reason he threw too many pitches and lasted just the three innings.
