How does the timing of Tommy John surgery affect an MLB pitchers career?
Tommy John surgery is a major surgery that involves repairing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. It is most commonly performed on Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers who have suffered a UCL tear. The timing of Tommy John surgery can have a significant impact on a pitcher's career.
Early Surgery: If a pitcher undergoes Tommy John surgery early in their career, they may have a better chance of returning to their previous level of performance. This is because they will have more time to recover and rehabilitate from the surgery. However, early surgery also means that the pitcher will miss a significant amount of time on the field, which can slow down their development.
Late Surgery: If a pitcher undergoes Tommy John surgery late in their career, they may have a lower chance of returning to their previous level of performance. This is because they will have less time to recover and rehabilitate from the surgery, and their body may not be as resilient as it was when they were younger. However, late surgery can also allow the pitcher to avoid missing a significant amount of time on the field, which can help them extend their career.
The decision of when to undergo Tommy John surgery is a complex one. There are a number of factors that need to be considered, including the pitcher's age, health, and injury history. Ultimately, the decision should be made in consultation with a doctor and the pitcher's team.
FAQs:
- How long does it take to recover from Tommy John surgery? Typically, it takes 12-18 months to recover from Tommy John surgery.
- Can pitchers return to the same level of performance after Tommy John surgery? Most pitchers are able to return to the same level of performance after Tommy John surgery, but it may take some time.
- What are the risks of Tommy John surgery? The risks of Tommy John surgery include infection, nerve damage, and failure of the surgery.
- How common is Tommy John surgery in MLB? Tommy John surgery is becoming increasingly common in MLB, with over 100 pitchers undergoing the surgery each year.
- What are the alternatives to Tommy John surgery? There are a number of alternative treatments for UCL tears, including rest, rehabilitation, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
Top 5 Related Products:
- Rawlings Baseball Gloves
- Wilson Baseball Bats
- New Balance Baseball Cleats
- Under Armour Baseball Apparel
- Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats
Pre：What is the traditional song sung by fans at baseball games after a home run is hit
Next：Is a good fast pitch softball harder to hit than a baseball from an equally skilled pitcher