Many analysts predicted the Marlins Josh Johnson could be one of the breakout players of the 2011 MLB season. The 27-year-old power pitcher was coming off a 2010 season in which he struck out 186 batters in 183.2 innings. A lack of run support led to Johnson winning only 12 games despite a phenomenal 2.30 ERA. Johnson was cruising along this season with a 1.64 ERA through 9 starts when a shoulder injury derailed him. He has been on the DL since May.
As he looks to return to the Marlins before the end of the season, Johnson shed some light on what may have contributed to his shoulder inflammation. Believe it or not, the 6-foot-7-inch right hander told the Miami Herald his doctor says “tall man’s syndrome” could very well have been a contributing factor.
“It’s a matter of posture and a bunch of stuff that just kind of led up to it,” Johnson said. “Years and years of being tall, you’re always slouching down and bending over. You’re shoulder’s not in a good place. You start leaning over when you’re throwing. It snowballs.”
While shoulder soreness from tall man’s syndrome has nothing to do with clumsiness like this injury or this injury did, it is still just as intriguing. The world can be a tough place for tall people, so I wouldn’t doubt there are things in life that could put stress on the shoulder of someone who is that tall. Being that tall also helps Johnson throw a fastball 97 mph, so it has its benefits as well.
