MIAMI - Jose Fernandez walked into the Miami Marlins clubhouse four hours before game time and extended his left arm to shake hands with teammates. Wholesale Nike Shoes . His right arm rested in a sling and was encased in a cast from above the elbow to his hand. "Im excited," Fernandez said with a grin. "Im throwing a bullpen tomorrow lefty." That would be the only way last seasons NL Rookie of the Year would be able to pitch anytime soon. Fernandez underwent Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow Friday, and he is expected to be out 12 to 18 months. He rejoined the Marlins on Tuesday for the start of their six-game homestand, but only as a spectator. He also spoke to reporters for the first time since the operation. Fernandez said he felt a pinch in his elbow during a start against the Dodgers on May 4, and was at less than 100 per cent in his final start May 9 at San Diego. He said he didnt tell anyone because missing a start wasnt an appealing option. "I said, I cant do this to my team. Were in first place. I cant let them down right now," Fernandez said. "Its nobodys fault. It happened. Its sad it did. I dont blame anybody, and I dont regret not saying anything. That was my call. Probably it wasnt the smartest thing, but this is my team, and I give my life for my team." An attorney for Fernandez released a statement last week saying the pitcher changed his delivery for his final start, but Fernandez said it was nothing his team or manager could detect. "I was trying not to let anybody see that I was in a little pain," he said. Fernandez said the ligament came off the bone, leaving him no choice but to undergo surgery. At the time he led the majors in strikeouts, and was 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA. "It was sad not because I got hurt, but because I felt like I let my team down," he said. "That was the tough part. I felt bad, but I can take care of this and be back and strong." Tuesday would have been Fernandezs day to pitch as the Marlins opened a series against the Phillies. "Hes going to be out a long time, but we know hes on the road to recovery," manager Mike Redmond said. "We know a lot of guys come back and either pitch the same or better. Its tough to see him in the sling, but we know hes going to be back." Fernandez underwent surgery in Los Angeles. He plans to return there next week to have his cast and stitches removed, before the long rehabilitation process begins. The Cuban defector said hes eager to get started. "To me this is just a little bump in the road," he said. "Ive been through a lot more stuff, tougher things. This is just something Ive got to learn from." At age 21, Fernandez has a 16-8 record with a 2.25 ERA in 36 career starts. Does he anticipate hell be able to pitch as well when he returns? "I hope better," he said. "Im going to be out for a year. Id better learn a lot of things and get a lot stronger. I cant wait to get back on the mound. Its going to be a special day. Its far away, but we have to take the little steps to get there." Discount Nike Shoes . - Because they didnt go into Beast Mode, the Seattle Seahawks found themselves in Spin Mode. Cheap Nike Shoes . Interestingly, the culprits were not rookies, but well paid, experienced pros. The first gaffe came in the 24th minute of arguably the biggest early season MLS game in history between Seattle and Toronto. Sounder newcomer Marco Pappa, (with over 100 MLS games, and 39 Guatemalan Caps to his name) attempted a back pass to one of his central defenders. https://www.wholesalenikeshoesauthentic.com/ . Tyrell appeared in seven games with the Lightning this year, he had no points in those appearances. The 24-year-old has seven goals and 17 assists in 132 career NHL games, all coming with the Lightning. He was selected in the second round, 47th overall, of the 2007 draft.BILBAO, Spain - Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz scored a hat trick to lead a 4-0 rout of 10-man Granada at home Friday, as the Basque side strengthened its hold on Spains last Champions League berth for next season. Aduriz headed home Markel Susaetas cross in the sixth minute to open the scoring at San Mames Stadium. He bettered that with a long-range blast that went in off the goal frame in the 18th, and converted a penalty in the 72nd after Diego Mainz was sent off for fouling Aduriz with only the goalkeeper to beat. Bilbao defender Carlos Gurpegi capped the win in the 80th with a volley from outside the box. Bilbao could have won by a wider margin if it hadnt been for goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez. Granada didnt muster a shot on goal. Bilbaos first victory in its last three home games left it in fourth place and seven points ahead of Villarreal and Real Sociedad before they play matcches Sunday. Nike Shoes Sale. Real Madrid leads the league by three points over Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, and all three front-runners are far ahead of Bilbao and the other teams fighting for fourth place and the final Champions League spot. "Im happy the team won again," Aduriz said. "To stay at the top you have to keep winning week after week. There is a long way to go and it will be very tough, because there are some good teams in the fight. But we will give it our all to stay in fourth place." Granadas fifth consecutive loss away from home left it in five points from the relegation zone. Madrid visits Atletico on Sunday, when Barcelona hosts Almeria. Also, Sociedad plays at Sevilla, Villarreal hosts Real Betis, and Valencia is at Rayo Vallecano. On Saturday, its: Malaga vs. Valladolid, Levante vs. Osasuna, Getafe vs. Espanyol, and Elche vs. Celta Vigo. ' ' '