Paradisecity
04-02-2010, 10:09 AM
http://www.projo.com/redsox/content/Red_Sox_Journal_Tazawa_04-02-10_VMHVP4O_v2.2e4deef.html
By Brian MacPherson
Journal SportsWriter
FORT MYERS, Fla. –– Twenty-three-year-old pitching prospect Junichi Tazawa will undergo Tommy John surgery early next week, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said on Thursday.
Tazawa will have the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow reconstructed on Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala., at the clinic of well-known orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. He’ll miss the entire 2010 season, and will need a bit of good fortune to be ready to start the 2011 season on time.
“We usually are a little conservative,” Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said. “If he does it soon enough, there’s a chance he could have a spring training next year and pitch next season.”
Tazawa had pitched through discomfort late last season and into spring training, and when he complained of tightness in his right elbow a week ago, it prompted the Red Sox to send him to meet with Andrews. An examination showed a partial ligament tear.
A decision was delayed by a couple of days to make necessary arrangements — a team interpreter will make the trip with Tazawa — but the damage left Tazawa and the Red Sox with few other options.
“We kind of knew we were leaning in that direction,” Francona said. “It’s just not sending the kid out there by himself.”
Tazawa had been expected to begin the regular season in the starting rotation at Triple-A Pawtucket. The righty had a 2.55 ERA in 20 minor-league starts, including two for the PawSox, before a late-season call-up to the major leagues.
By Brian MacPherson
Journal SportsWriter
FORT MYERS, Fla. –– Twenty-three-year-old pitching prospect Junichi Tazawa will undergo Tommy John surgery early next week, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said on Thursday.
Tazawa will have the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow reconstructed on Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala., at the clinic of well-known orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. He’ll miss the entire 2010 season, and will need a bit of good fortune to be ready to start the 2011 season on time.
“We usually are a little conservative,” Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said. “If he does it soon enough, there’s a chance he could have a spring training next year and pitch next season.”
Tazawa had pitched through discomfort late last season and into spring training, and when he complained of tightness in his right elbow a week ago, it prompted the Red Sox to send him to meet with Andrews. An examination showed a partial ligament tear.
A decision was delayed by a couple of days to make necessary arrangements — a team interpreter will make the trip with Tazawa — but the damage left Tazawa and the Red Sox with few other options.
“We kind of knew we were leaning in that direction,” Francona said. “It’s just not sending the kid out there by himself.”
Tazawa had been expected to begin the regular season in the starting rotation at Triple-A Pawtucket. The righty had a 2.55 ERA in 20 minor-league starts, including two for the PawSox, before a late-season call-up to the major leagues.