Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins reliever Pat Neshek is officially in recovery mode following successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his elbow.
General manager Bill Smith said the procedure, conducted by team physicians Tuesday morning, went well. The right-hander will wear a soft cast for 10 days and then switch to a hinge brace. After that, he’ll begin the rehabilitation process that will keep him out of the entire 2009 season.
Neshek got hurt in a game last May and didn’t pitch at all after that. He suffered a setback during a routine throwing session two weeks ago, and an MRI revealed a complete tear of his ulnar collateral ligament.
Tommy John surgery, as it’s commonly called, typically takes at least a calendar year to come back from.
