Phillies fan-favorite Jayson Werth came to Philly as a sort of reclamation project following years of disappointing numbers as he battled wrist injuries.
Werth allegedly met with energy healer Vladimir Shpunt back in 2005 while he was battling a nagging wrist injury that he suffered during spring training, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The revelation about Werth’s interesting team-sponsored attempt to fix his weary wrist came as part of a Times report on how the Dodgers kept Shpunt on their payroll even though he was located across the country.
At the time Werth allegedly met once in person and once over the phone with Shpunt, the Times said.
The Times quoted sources saying that Werth’s meeting happened at the suggestion of owner Jamie McCourt after the outfielder expressed an interest in alternative medicine.
But, Werth recently denied knowing anything about an energy healer, said the Times.
It sure doesn’t look like the 2005 energy treatments -- if they ever really happened -- helped out Werth or the Dodgers much. He missed all of 2006 with the injury and signed with the Phillies in 2007 to be a platoon player.
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“The irony in all this? The Dodgers fired Shpunt in 2008, then they went on to lose to Werth in two consecutive NLCSs,” said CrossingBroad.com.
Only in 2008 did Werth, a former Orioles' No. 1 draft pick, emerge as an everyday outfielder. And by 2009 he became an All-Star.
Werth actually credits the Mayo Clinic with getting his wrist back to playing shape. His rehabilitation story was even documented on the Mayo Clinic website.
Be it good energy or just good medicine Phillies fans should be thankful to have a healthy Werth -- and his facial hair -- in red pinstripes and winning games.
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