Dontrelle Willis Anxiety Disorder – Return

Dontrelle Willis of the Detroit Tigers is ready to the big leagues. Due to an anxiety disorder, Willis began the season on the disabled list. But after a few successful starts at the minor league level, he’s ready to get his Major League Baseball career back on track.

Dontrelle Willis to return from anxiety disorder (Image: Newscom)

Willis’ return date is Wednesday, May 13th against the Minnesota Twins. In his last game in the minors, he pitched 7.2 innings and give up two runs and four walks while striking out four.

Once upon a time, Willis was regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball. In 2005, he was 22-10 with a 2.63 ERA while with the Florida Marlins. However, since that point, he has gotten progressively worse.

In 2006, Willis was 12-12 with a 3.87 ERA. In 2007, he finished 10-15 with a 5.17 ERA. He bottomed out in 2008 while with the Tigers, posting a 9.38 ERA in seven starts.

If Willis doesn’t reverse his current trend, he could be running out of chances in baseball. The good news for Willis is that he’s still only 27 years old and his velocity in the minor leagues was said to be improved.

Detroit can definitely use his help. With a record of 14-13, the Tigers are three games behind the division-leading Kansas City Royals in the AL Central. If Willis can return and prove to be a capable starter once again, he could be a difference-maker within the division.