In an announcement that surprises no one, the Reds have tweeted that Homer Bailey will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery.
RHP Homer Bailey to have "Tommy John" surgery. Is expected to return during the 2016 season.
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 1, 2015
This follows the announcement last week that Bailey was suffering from a sprained elbow ligament. Recovery time is between 10-14 months. The right-handed pitcher was sidelined last August with a strain in his flexor mass muscle near the ligament. He underwent surgery in early September and had spent the last seven months in an intense rehab program. After that, Bailey made two starts for the Reds.
The success rate for TJS is high. Stephen Strasburg, Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter, Jordan Zimmerman, Tim Hudson, John Smoltz and David Wells are pitchers who have returned to elite performance and successful careers after the procedure.
Until Bailey returns, the Reds will have to go with the arms they have. Michael Lorenzen was called up to take Bailey’s place in the rotation and was successful in his debut Wednesday.
Best wishes to Homer Bailey for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.