Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Smoltz update

By David O'Brien
June 10, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Smoltz only had arthroscopic surgery, didn’t have to do full-on cut-him-open. Not that that necessarily means he can or can’t come back. Waiting for the e-mail release, but I’m told labrum was the most significant injury and that it’ll be a few months before they know if he has realistic shot of coming back.
By David O'Brien
June 10, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

For now, here’s the press release. Tom Stinson is doing a story, gonna talk to Braves doc, etc.:

ATLANTA – Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher John Smoltz underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder today. The procedure was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama.

The most significant of the repairs was to the labrum in Smoltz’s shoulder and it is unclear at this time when Smoltz might be able to return to major league competition. Smoltz is resting comfortably and will start a rehabilitation regimen within the next few days.

“The prognosis on John’s shoulder is unclear based on the findings of today’s surgery,” Braves Executive Vice President and General Manager Frank Wren said. “We will know more as John starts to progress through his rehab.”


Johns Hopkins teaches us about labrum tears.


More from the AJC (thanks, Jennifer)...
...

But all the club knows now is the surgery was a serious one, and re-habbing such an injury is not a given.

"Coming out of this surgery, I think there are a lot of unknowns," Wren said. "The one thing we do know is how much of a competitor John is, and he's going to do everything in his power to come back.

"But based on the surgery, we just don't know."

Having already scratched Smoltz for the summer — even something as simple as bone-chip removal could have knocked him out for the season — the club must now ponder a franchise without him.

"I don't think we can predicate any moves on whether John will or will not be with us next year," Wren said. "We've got to plan as if he will not going to be with us, and then it will be a big bonus if he is. That's all we can do right now."

6 comments:

Jennifer said...

Thanks. You rock. :*

I'm exceptionally partial to the shoulders on that one, so glad the scarrage was minimized, but "labrum" sounds skeery. Time will tell, I guess.

Jennifer said...

Ouch! That sounds like it would hurt like hell. I hope boyfriend has an awesome morphine drip goin' right about now.

Again, thanks. ;)

Lizziebeth said...

Jennifer's right, you rock. DOB always waits until I leave work to update. Been waiting all day to hear something...guess where I came first when I got home?!

CABravesFan said...

Hearing just how damaged Smoltzie's shoulder really is...it is absolutly incredible to me that he even attempted to pitch- his fire and competitive spirit are truly amazing and the game (not just the Braves) will miss him

Hopefully this is not the end but...

dawn said...

lizziebeth----

come back!

Lizziebeth said...

Hey Dawn,
I will soon, thanks for caring!!!