What’s Shohei Ohtani Up Against After Second Tommy John Surgery?
A Second Chance at Success
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star, is on the road to recovery after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in September 2023. As one of the 162 pitchers who have had a second Tommy John procedure, Ohtani faces an uphill battle to regain his pre-surgery form. But with his 97-mph fastball and impressive arm action, the 30-year-old right-hander is on track to join the rotation by May, if not sooner.
A Success Story: Jameson Taillon
Jameson Taillon, a former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, underwent his second Tommy John surgery in 2019. Now a Chicago Cubs starting pitcher, Taillon has made a remarkable recovery, going 42-29 with a 4.06 ERA in 118 starts since his second surgery. He attributes his success to a revised delivery, which includes a shorter arm path and more leg thrust to ease pressure on his elbow.
The Numbers: A Second Tommy John Surgery
According to baseball analyst Jon Roegele, only 99 of the 162 pitchers who have had a second Tommy John surgery returned to competitive action (61%), while 38 (24%) did not return, and 25 (15%) are listed as "not yet back." Only two starters, Taillon and Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, are known to have returned to their previous performance levels after a second elbow reconstruction.
Eovaldi’s Story
Eovaldi, 35, has been a World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox (2018) and Texas Rangers (2023). He underwent his second Tommy John surgery in 2018 and has since gone 53-35 with a 3.94 ERA in 148 starts, including 106 starts since 2021. Eovaldi credits his success to a shorter arm path and a more athletic delivery, as well as his ability to monitor his workload and tailor his strength-and-conditioning programs to his needs as a two-time Tommy John surgery patient.
Ohtani’s Path to Recovery
Ohtani has been experimenting with a full windup this spring, which he believes will help him regain his previous form. He has also been monitoring his workload and arm care, using a pocket radar to track his velocity and an upper body harness to monitor his throwing volume. His pitching coach, Mark Prior, is optimistic about Ohtani’s chances, citing his athleticism and ability to adapt to new mechanics.
The Road to Success
While Ohtani’s journey is unique, he can draw inspiration from the success stories of Taillon and Eovaldi. Both pitchers have made significant adjustments to their delivery and training regimen to overcome the challenges of a second Tommy John surgery. Ohtani’s ability to adapt and monitor his workload will be crucial in his recovery, as will his ability to push through discomfort and communicate with his team’s medical staff.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s road to recovery is a long and challenging one, but with his natural talent and adaptability, he has a good chance of regaining his pre-surgery form. As he takes the mound for the Dodgers, he will be joined by a select group of pitchers who have overcome the challenges of a second Tommy John surgery.
FAQs
Q: What is the success rate for pitchers who have had a second Tommy John surgery?
A: According to Jon Roegele, only 61% of pitchers who have had a second Tommy John surgery have returned to competitive action.
Q: Who are the two pitchers known to have returned to their previous performance levels after a second Tommy John surgery?
A: Jameson Taillon and Nathan Eovaldi are the two pitchers who have achieved this feat.
Q: What are some of the key adjustments pitchers make after a second Tommy John surgery?
A: Many pitchers, including Taillon and Eovaldi, have made significant adjustments to their delivery, including shorter arm paths, more leg thrust, and revised strength-and-conditioning programs.
