Mike Segar / Reuters

Joel Zumaya is not only a good pitcher, but also apparently an aspiring guitar hero.

When the Detroit Tigers lost flame-throwing relief pitcher Joel Zumaya for three games of the American League Championship Series this past October, it hurt his team. The reason for the injury, however, is even more painful.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Zumaya was hurt playing a PlayStation 2 video game called "Guitar Hero", in which the player simulates playing an electric guitar for popular rock bands. Zumaya, a 22-year-old rookie, suffered inflammation in his right (throwing) wrist and forearm from playing the game.

When Zumaya went to the Tigers training staff about his injury, they noticed his pain was more consistent with a guitar player than a baseball pitcher, according to the Free Press. Since Zumaya was known to play the game, the team asked him to stop, and he pitched pain-free in the World Series.

The Tigers are certain that Zumaya's injury will not recur. Team president and general manager Dave Dombrowski told the newspaper that he was pretty certain the injury came from the game, and not from pitching.

"That was probably what was taking place," he said.

"He felt fine in the World Series, to tell you the truth," Steve Springer, one of Zumaya's representatives, told the Free Press. "I didn't even think twice about it."

Zumaya, who can throw the ball more than 100 mph, was 6-3 with a 1.94 ERA in 2006.

More news

Getty Images

The man who no longer matters

Posnanski: Albert Pujols' at-bats used to be buzzworthy, must-watch events. Now, they're not. Here's the result of his struggles the past few years.

Brian Garfinkel / Getty Images

HBT: Ruiz's hamstring a worry for Phillies

HBT: Carlos Ruiz was lifted from Sunday afternoon’s game against the Reds after straining his right hamstring while running the bases in the bottom of the second inning.

Headlines

• Label

CSN: Phils touch Reds' Chapman for 2 HRs

Braves reach Dodgers' ailing bullpen in eighth

Friars pound Nationals, force series split

HBT: Rangers DL Kinsler, recall prospect Profar

Moore stays unbeaten as Rays top Orioles

Angels top White Sox  |  Indians shut out M's

Blue Jays-Yankees finale scrubbed by rain

Cards top Brewers, beat Lohse for third time