Mark Mulder is Out for the Year with a Ruptured Achilles

The comeback is over before it even began.

After spending six years out of baseball, Mark Mulder was attempting to come back. He had worked his way back from his shoulder issues, completely revamping his delivery in his attempt to get one final season. Signed to an incentive laden minor league contract, Mulder was nothing more than a lottery ticket. If he worked out, the Angels got a piece for their rotation at minimal cost. If he did not, then the Angels really did not lose anything.

June 26, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; ESPN analyst and MLB former pitcher Mark Mulder before the game between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Except, for Mark Mulder, that comeback never got off the ground. Instead of injuring his shoulder, which had already undergone several surgeries, Mulder ruptured his left Achilles tendon. This occurred while warming up for his first bullpen session. Mulder never actually got to throw an official pitch before being injured again.

Mulder, despite the obvious disappointment he has to be feeling, seems to be taking this well. He had to know that there was nothing guaranteed, and that the comeback may not have worked out. Yet, for it to end this way, without getting the opportunity to show if he really had anything left, had to be disheartening.

At this point, it would seem as though Mark Mulder’s baseball career is likely finished. At age 37 next season, is Mulder really going to want to go through the rehab needed to make another attempt at pitching? Even if he wants to make a comeback once again, will he be able to get that chance?

Mark Mulder had a chance at a storybook ending, a chance to turn his story from one of disappointment to one of triumph and perseverance. Instead, Mulder’s tale is one of disappointment.