Jeremy Frazier

Everything was working out just fine for Jeremy Frazier.

The Knoch graduate and Clarion University right-hander was coming off his best outing of the season for the Springfield (Ill.)Sliders of the Prospect League.

“I gave up a hit to the first batter I faced, then retired the next 15,” Frazier recalled of that outing.

But he felt a little something in the process.

“Something wasn't right with my shoulder. I ciouod hear a slight clicking sound in there,” Frazier said. “I got checked out and it seems my growth plate was rubbing against my shoulder blade.

“I'm having an MRI done to determine if there's any damage to my rotator cuff. It's more a precautionary procedure than anything.”

Regardless, his season with the Sliders was cut short.

Frazier was 0-1 with a 5.78 earned run average in 14 innings. He struck out eight and walked eight.

“I had three starts with them and each one was better than the one before,” he said. “The timing of this is pretty disappointing.

“I had wanted to play for the (Butler) BlueSox this summer, but my coach at Clarion knew a coach with Springfield, so he set me up there. It's far from home, but I loved the experience.”

Frazier thought enough of his team to show up at Kelly Automotive Park last weekend for the Sliders' two-game series against Butler — even though he was unable to pitch.

“He made himself available to pinch-run for us if we mneeded him,” Springfield manager Steve Leonetti said. “That's what kind of teammate he is.”

Frazier is hopeful of pitching a little bit later this summer, though it would be a spot inning here and there, likely with an Eagle County League team.

That is, of course, if his MRI shows no structural damage.

“Everybody on our team wishes him nothing but the best,” Leonetti said. “These guys have only known Jeremy a short time, but they've developed a great amount of respect for how he plays the game.

“He's a great teammate and he just battles on the mound. That kid never gives in.”

Frazier has two years remaining at Clarion. The Golden Eaglex finished 4-24 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play, but he won three of thosefour games.

Overall, Frazier was 3-7 at Clarion last spring with a team-leading four complete games and 62.1 innings pitched.

“My goal is still to win a championship there,” he said. “With the talent we have coming in and coming back, I believe it can happen.”