Dontrelle Willis to DL – Anxiety Disorder

To begin the 2009 baseball season, Dontrelle Willis was on the disabled list due to an anxiety disorder. The starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers was able to return to the mound — and even had a few good outings — but now he’s back to where he started. The Tigers have once again placed him on the DL due to an anxiety disorder.

Dontrelle Willis Anxiety Disorder (Image: Newscom)

This is yet another setback for a 27-year-old pitcher who was once considered one of the best pitchers in the majors. In his second start this year, he threw 6.1 shutout innings in which he gave up only one hit. But that momentum was short lived.

On the season, Willis now has a 7.49 ERA and a record of 1-4. Considering that his ERA last year was 9.39, this poor pitching seems like it may be a pattern.

He’s making $10 million this season, so the Tigers would undoubtedly love to see him figure things out. But Willis’ apparent anxiety disorder is getting in the way.

The next step may be for the Tigers to release Willis. He has no trade value and previous comments indicate that he doesn’t think he has an anxiety disorder. Hopefully Willis can turn it around and fix whatever is ailing him.