Padres: Tyson Ross Shoulder Surgery set for Thursday
The Padres’ 2016 opening day starter will have a procedure done on Thursday to treat his inflamed shoulder. His status for 2017 remains uncertain.
The most compelling aspect of the offseason thus far for the San Diego Padres is the question of pitcher Tyson Ross‘s health. After making the start for the Padres on opening day last season, Ross missed the remainder of the season despite being one of the few bright spots in the rotation.
Now, whether or not the 29-year-old can even pitch to begin 2017 hangs in the balance. On Wednesday, manager Andy Green confirmed that Ross will have surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome on Thursday. This procedure, according to Green, is a relatively routine one, but does require four to six months of recovery.
This means that a second consecutive opening day start is unlikely for Ross. Even if he does return to full health by the beginning of spring training, it is uncertain whether an entire year of limited baseball activity will prevent the right-hander from being the same pitcher he was when he won the opening day start in 2016. The production he gave the Padres, including a 3.19 career ERA, could be only a memory at this point. Also, becoming a free agent after 2017 could have an impact on the direction of Ross’s recovery, which may not bode well for San Diego.
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Of course, it’s not like the Padres have many pitchers the caliber of Ross competing for the top rotation spot. Jarred Cosart is struggling with his own injury issues, Clayton Richard has impressed but is still young, and Edwin Jackson has not been the same since coming to San Diego.
Nevertheless, even if one of these three starters gets the opportunity to start on opening day, Ross will still be a key part of the rotation. This is why the Padres must do everything possible to return the strikeout machine to full health as soon as possible, soon enough to make a difference in 2017.
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The latest news of Ross’s procedure on Thursday is discouraging, as it is yet another setback in his attempted recovery. But fans must remember that patience is key, and the long run must remain the primary focus. In the end, if Ross does stay beyond next season, this formidable starter should be an integral part of the Padres’ starting rotation for years to come, hopefully completely healthy.
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