Rookie outfielder Clint Frazier is still dealing with concussion symptoms, and general manager Brian Cashman wishes that certain media members will refrain from playing doctor.
In an interview with WFAN Radio’s The Afternoon Drive with Carlin, Maggie and Bart on Monday afternoon, Cashman discussed the health status of Frazier, expressing that the youngster’s willingness to be candid with reporters might be making the situation more problematic.
“From the media’s perspective, they’ve got to ask questions. In Clint’s case, he’s trying to be the do-gooder by being honest and sharing,” Cashman told WFAN. “So, he’s shared a lot. He shared, for instance, that he’s got cats and at some point in this process, he couldn’t remember the name of his cat, or cats. And so now, it seems like certain media members are putting him through their own concussion protocol by a week or so later asking, ‘Hey, what’s the name of your cat?’
“Now it’s taking on a life of its own that way. So, it’s almost like less is more under those circumstances. It’s crossed over from sharing to now they’re a part of the process and they’re now calling different doctors and trying to get the down-low.”
Frazier suffered the concussion back on Feb. 24, when he slammed into the outfield wall after making a catch against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since then, the 23-year-old has hit some roadblocks in his recovery. Over the weekend, Frazier told reporters that he’s had some “scary moments” while driving, and that he’s also forgotten the names of his cats on occasion.
“It sucks. This has to be the worst injury I’ve ever had,” Frazier told the New York Post on Saturday. “I didn’t feel right today hitting. I felt foggy, that is the word of the day. I felt splotchy. … There are some positives that have come out of the last few days, but I want all positives.”
Cashman told WFAN that Frazier is making good progress. But he also believes that if a select group of media members would understand the position Frazier’s currently in, there’d be one less hindrance.
“In fairness, I wanted to point out to the media that when they’re getting a chance to interview him and ask the appropriate questions, it’s right after he finishes his endurance testing,” Cashman said. “On the days he heightens his workload, he comes out and feeling a little off, he goes to his locker because that’s where he’s got to go to shower and stuff. Since our sport’s more open than football and the NBA, he gets asked questions. He wants to be honest and direct, and I think it puts him at a disadvantage…
“He is getting better. He’s improved significantly. His symptoms have been reduced over time… But he’s just not where we need him to be or where he needs to be yet. And he’s under the doctor’s care, which is the neurologist, and we’re just executing on a daily basis.”
In 2017, Frazier hit .231 with 17 extra-base hits, 17 RBI, and 43 strikeouts in 134 major league at-bats.
