Scary Moylan update: Bone spur "compromised" the ulnar collateral ligament

By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

The press release from Braves: Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Peter Moylan was examined by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., yesterday. Dr. Andrews confirmed the diagnosis made by Braves team physicians in Atlanta, which found that the ulna collateral ligament in Moylan’s right elbow has been compromised by a bone spur. Moylan, who presently has some swelling and limited range of motion, will continue treatment to rehab his elbow over the next two weeks. He will then be re-evaluated, with UCL reconstruction an option at that time.

OK, I’M GOING DOWN TO CLUBHOUSE TO TALK TO FOLKS

By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

For those trying to read between the lines, it does sound like reconstructive surgery will be necessary, more likely than not certainly.

Just got off the phone with Frank Wren, who gave me this:

“We’re diisppointed, for both Peter and our club,” the GM said. “Because he was an important part of our bullpen. We hope that the rehab in two weeks will improve his chances of returning this year, but understand that they may not be possible.”

I asked him if Braves have the relievers to pick up the slack and fill in or if they’ll look to make a trade, and he said:

“I think we do have depth in our bullpen, but we’re continually looking to improve that area.”

Folks, it’s just not easy to replace a guy like Moylan, especially not this early in a seaeson. Teams aren’t looking to move top-flight relieivers like him.

“Lot of innings, and tough to replace a guy like that,” Wren said. “You don’t worry about matchups, because he does well against righies and lefties. Valuable guy to a team.”

By David O'Brien

April 17, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

By DAVID O’BRIEN dobrien@ajc.com

Miami _ Braves reliever Peter Moylan might require reconstructive elbow surgery, but will wait two weeks to determine if that season-ending procedure is necessary.

The Braves’ top setup man was examined Wednesday, who confirmed the diagnosis made earlier by Braves doctors: Moylan has a bone spur pressing against the ulnar collateral ligament, which has “compromised” the UCL.

He will continue treatment for two weeks before he’s reevaluated to determine if UCL reconstruction is necessary.

We’re disappointed, for both Peter and our club,” general manager Frank Wren said. “Because he was an important part of our bullpen.

“We hope that the rehab in two weeks will improve his chances of returning this year, but understand that they may not be possible.”

Wren was asked if the Braves have other relievers to pick up the slack and fill in, or if they’ll look to make a trade.

“I think we do have depth in our bullpen, but we’re continually looking to improve that area,” he said.

The difficulty in adding a top-flight reliever is that few, if any, teams are interested in moving such pitchers at this early point in a season. Especially not ones who do what Moylan did.

The sidearming Aussie gave up three runs in his first appearance of 2007. Since then he’s posted a 1.51 ERA in 86 appearances, and last season he ranked third in the NL with 90 relief innings.

“Lot of innings, and tough to replace a guy like that,” Wren said of the Braves’ top setup man “You don’t worry about matchups, because he does well against righies and lefties. Valuable guy to a team.”

MLB.com article:

While Moylan might have a small tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, Andrews wants to wait at least 15 days before re-evaluating the reliever's right elbow. At that point in time, there's a chance the Tommy John surgical procedure will be prescribed.

"Compromised" probably means "torn", but they're hesitant to say something like that because they know it'll upset people like me. ;)

We'll pray for you, Pete.