MLB.com reported today that Francisco Liriano has stopped rehabilitation after continuing to experience pain in his left elbow and may be considering surgery. Apparently, Liriano had become frustrated with how his rehabilitation was progressing, so he left Fort Myers to consult with doctors on his condition.
Gene Mato, Liriano's agent, told the Tribune on Tuesday,
Even before Liriano (who will turn 23 on Thursday) began the rehab program in Florida, he had expressed disappointment with how the process was going and the doctors' inability to diagnose the cause of the soreness, which he has been experiencing since late July. He has explored many options to figure out exactly what it is that has been causing the pain in his elbow, but in at least three MRIs done over the past three months, all proved to show no structural damage. It was only after his August 2nd start against the Tigers that Liriano was diagnosed with a mild sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament. He took the hill again on Sept. 13th vs. Oakland but had to be taken out after two batters in the third inning when he felt what he refered to as a "pop" in his elbow.
If Liriano decides to have surgery, his options appear to be either an exploratory arthroscopic surgery to further examine the ligament or Tommy John surgery to try to repair the ligament, sidelining him for all of the 2007 season: a huge blow to the Twins starting rotation and possibly his career.
Twins GM Terry Ryan confirmed that Liriano had still been experiencing some lingering soreness in the elbow, but has yet to talk with the young lefty since he left and hopes to do so soon. Ryan had this to say:
Gene Mato, Liriano's agent, told the Tribune on Tuesday,
"Francisco continued to experience pain while taking part in a throwing session, and at this point, he felt it was necessary to re-evaluate his situation. After conferring with the Twins and the different medical personnel that have evaluated him, he will determine whether or not he wants to have surgery in the next week or so."
Even before Liriano (who will turn 23 on Thursday) began the rehab program in Florida, he had expressed disappointment with how the process was going and the doctors' inability to diagnose the cause of the soreness, which he has been experiencing since late July. He has explored many options to figure out exactly what it is that has been causing the pain in his elbow, but in at least three MRIs done over the past three months, all proved to show no structural damage. It was only after his August 2nd start against the Tigers that Liriano was diagnosed with a mild sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament. He took the hill again on Sept. 13th vs. Oakland but had to be taken out after two batters in the third inning when he felt what he refered to as a "pop" in his elbow.
If Liriano decides to have surgery, his options appear to be either an exploratory arthroscopic surgery to further examine the ligament or Tommy John surgery to try to repair the ligament, sidelining him for all of the 2007 season: a huge blow to the Twins starting rotation and possibly his career.
Twins GM Terry Ryan confirmed that Liriano had still been experiencing some lingering soreness in the elbow, but has yet to talk with the young lefty since he left and hopes to do so soon. Ryan had this to say:
"I had a number of conversations with him in the morning down here and everything seemed like it was in order...I'm waiting for a call. I'd like to have a conversation with him and get him back here for the rest of the therapy and then go from there."
3 comments:
I hate to see Liriano hurting.
He's such a young guy and with such talent. But it's always really hard for a pitcher especially when they need to have surgery on their throwing arm.
I wish him the best and hope he figures this out soon!
(And I think this is an indicator itself that we really need to get another starter to help solidify our rotation.)
It's not a good situation either way.
I sincerely hope the Twins go out and get a veteran starter. Regardless of whether Franchise gets the surgery or not (which I hope he elects to if he needs it) they need another experienced arm on the hill, considering Bonser and Garza...and Silva may not be with the team much longer - I'm hoping they buy out his $100,000 contract. Guerrier may be looking to start this 2007 season, though. It'll be interesting either way.
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