Jameson Taillon has been diagnosed with an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
After seeking a second opinion that confirmed the original diagnosis and not receiving relief from his symptoms despite a period of rest, the decision was made to seek additional opinions. Based on multiple medical opinions and recommendations, Jameson has elected to have Tommy John surgery which will be performed Dr. David Altchek.
Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington spoke with the media prior to Sunday’s contest about the situation.
“The initial diagnosis was the ligament was in tact, but potentially compromised as he had sustained injury to it,” said Huntington. “We went to get a second opinion, also during that second opinion there was a period of rest where the symptoms did not subside. We saw multiple other medical opinions and based on all that information, dispite having the ligament in tact, but compromised.
Huntington also explained Taillon’s injury isn’t as serious as other pitchers who have the surgery.
“When the ligament is ruptured, it’s a no-brainer and you need surgery, but when it’s compromised, now it’s a grey area and as much as we all want to make medical issues black-and-white, they’re very grey. Based on all of the information that Jameson has presented, he opted to have the Tommy John surgery and we fully support it. We look forward to get him back on the mound.”
The typical recovery period from this type of surgery is 12-18 months.
Thank you all for the well wishes and prayers. I’m really blessed to have so many people that genuinely care about me! Going to be stronger
— Jameson Taillon (@JTaillon19) April 6, 2014
A date on when the surgery will occur is still TBA.
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(Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
