Another member of the Atlanta Braves pitching staff is going under the knife. Brandon Beachy, like Kris Medlen, is scheduled for the second Tommy John surgery of his career on Friday by Dr. ElAttrache in Los Angeles. The procedure to fix the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow will be his second in just 21 months.
They 27-year-old Beachy posted an excellent 3.07 ERA over his first 41 starts in the major leagues prior to his first Tommy John surgery. This was performed in June of 2012 by Dr. James Andrews, and led to the normal year plus long rehabilitation program.
Brandon Beachy returned to the majors about half-way through last season, but made just five starts before needing to have a bone chip removed from his elbow in late September. Now he returns back under the knife.
Beachy went 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA (87 ERA+), 1.03 WHIP and a 5.75 K/BB in 30 innings for the Braves in those five starts.
With other young pitchers like Jarrod Parker and Matt Harvey and countless others around the majors also out with elbow issues and needing Tommy John surgery, it seems like it is becoming an epidemic. While there have always been elbow issues amongst baseball pitchers many are wondering why today’s arms seemingly go out with more frequency than those of the past. Its something that MLB executives will likely try and get a handle on in the coming years in order to keep their most valuable assets healthy.
With Medlen and Beachy on the shelf the Braves recently signed free agent pitcher Ervin Santana to a one-year contract to fill some of the innings that they will be missing this season.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @lastwordBkerr. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Baseball writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
“You like baseball? Get involved! Check out LWOS Partners http://basesloaded.eu for fantastic podcasts, news and a growing message board community of baseball fans like you!”
Main Photo:
