Carlos Ruiz Leaves Game with Injury as Chooch-Watch Begins Anew

Chooch left yesterday’s glorious series-winning victory with a hamstring injury.

It was a terrible scene on an otherwise wonderful afternoon that for a while actually sucked pretty bad.  But Chooch, not much longer after returning from a 25-game adderall suspension to start the season, is now gone once more, leaving us in the very capable hands of the Phillies’ back up-back up catcher.

It feels like just weeks ago, we were watching our calendars, patiently and/or angrily waiting for Chooch to be freed of his mandated shackles.  Then, that day finally came, and there was his smiling Chooch-face for all of us to enjoy.  Sure, we didn’t win many games, but it was nice to have his presence around to break up all the Utley death-stares.

May 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Home plate umpire Marty Foster (60) and Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) stand with a young Phillies fan during the National Anthem before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Now, Chooch-watch begins again, this time with more concern than impatience.  This is no mix-up at the pharmacy or tearful confession.  This is the hamstring.  It sounds like a disgusting novelty breakfast, but it’s actually pretty important to physical movement, unlike any hamstring Jimmy Dean could come up with.

And now, we’re left Choochless for god knows how long.  He’s staying in Philly while the team travels to Miami, getting his MRI on with Ryan Howard.

He’ll re-join the Phils on Tuesday, with hopefully good news, but until then, everybody get comfortable with the pulse-having Humberto Quintero.