Yes, pitchers have been able to pitch around 12-13 months after surgery, but none have been able to return to full time major league effectiveness in less than 18 months. Zimmerman's starts in 2010 were little more than glorified rehab starts. He was going 3 or 4 innings with 6 days in between. We will not have that kind of luxury during a pennant race. Even in 2011, more than 18 months after the surgery, Zimmerman was only able to make 26 starts, frequently getting extra rest between starts. The pitchers that made it back in less than 18 months returned in the final month of the season and they put up 25-40 innings of work. I don't think Dice K will make it back appreciably sooner. We will not have the luxury to give him 3 inning starts or 6 or 7 days between starts, and I would be willing to set the over/under betting on 50 innings. I'll take the under.