List of baseball players who underwent Tommy John surgery

Tommy John 2008 bronx

Tommy John surgery, officially known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. This surgery is common among baseball players, particularly pitchers, due to the stress placed on the elbow by repetitive throwing motions. The surgery is named after Tommy John, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who was the first to undergo the procedure in 1974. Since then, numerous players have had the surgery, impacting their careers to varying degrees. This article lists baseball players who have undergone Tommy John surgery, highlighting the pervasive nature of this injury in the sport.

List of Baseball Players Who Underwent Tommy John Surgery

The following is a non-exhaustive list of notable baseball players who have undergone Tommy John surgery. This list includes players from various levels of play, including MLB, minor leagues, and college baseball, demonstrating the widespread impact of the surgery.

Major League Baseball

• John Smoltz – The Hall of Fame pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery in 2000, yet returned to have several successful seasons, both as a starter and a reliever.
• Stephen Strasburg – The Washington Nationals pitcher had the surgery in 2010, early in his career, and bounced back to become one of the premier pitchers in the league.
• Jose Fernandez – The late Miami Marlins pitcher underwent the surgery in 2014 and returned to pitch at a high level before his tragic death in 2016.
• Yu Darvish – The Japanese pitcher had Tommy John surgery in 2015, after signing with the Texas Rangers, and has since returned to form, pitching for several teams.
• Noah Syndergaard – Known as "Thor," Syndergaard underwent the surgery in 2020 while with the New York Mets, highlighting the ongoing relevance of the procedure.

Minor League and College Baseball

• Players at these levels also frequently undergo Tommy John surgery, though their names are less widely recognized than those in the MLB. The surgery can be a critical juncture in their careers, often determining their future in the sport.

Impact on Careers

The impact of Tommy John surgery on a player's career can vary widely. Some players return with minimal loss of performance, while others struggle to regain their previous form. Advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation have improved outcomes over the years, making a successful return to play more likely than in the past.

Prevention and Rehabilitation

Efforts to prevent the need for Tommy John surgery include proper pitching mechanics, pitch count limits, and age-appropriate pitching guidelines. Rehabilitation post-surgery is a lengthy process, often taking a year or more, and includes physical therapy focused on gradually rebuilding strength and flexibility in the elbow.

Conclusion

Tommy John surgery has become a significant aspect of baseball, affecting players at all levels of the sport. While it poses a considerable challenge to those who undergo it, many have successfully returned to play, thanks in part to advancements in medical science and rehabilitation practices.