No Surgery For Brett Anderson

The injury plagued Oakland Athletics received a bit of good news regarding injured pitcher Brett Anderson on Monday. The A’s learned that Anderson will not require Tommy John Surgery, but would still need to rehabilitate his left arm (elbow). Oakland feared that Anderson, 23, would need Tommy John surgery, but Monday’s news was definitely good news for the A’s and Anderson.

According to Jane Lee of MLB.com, the A’s young lefty received plasma injection as recommended by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Lee also notes that Anderson is expected to take part in a six week rehabilitation process. The A’s will also have a re-evaluation of Anderson’s elbow three weeks from now.

The A’s hope to have Anderson back within the six-week recovery time frame. Oakland’s starting rotation has been hit hard this season by injuries to starters Dallas Braden (out for season), Tyson Ross, Brandon McCarthy, and Rich Harden. Ross and McCarthy are both expected to miss at least another month before returning. Harden, meanwhile, threw a quick BP session last week, and while the results were positive, Oakland won’t rush Harden’s return. 

Anderson was 3-6 with a 4.00 ERA in 13 starts before landing on the disabled-list. Oakland’s talented young lefty has battled injuries before in the past, but the team should be breathing a little easier now that they know Anderson won’t need Tommy John Surgery.