On October 2nd, 2019, Seattle Mariners pitcher Robbie Ray underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
Tommy John surgery, also known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a tendon from elsewhere in the body is used to replace a torn ligament in the elbow. The procedure is named after former Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John, who was the first to undergo the surgery in 1974.
Robbie Ray had been experiencing discomfort in his elbow since April, and after attempting to rehab the injury, he decided to undergo the surgery. He is expected to miss the remainder of the 2019 season and will likely not return to the mound until late 2020.
The Seattle Mariners are confident that Ray will make a full recovery and be able to return to the mound at full strength. Ray is an important part of the Mariners’ pitching staff, and his absence will be felt throughout the rest of the season.
Robbie Ray’s Tommy John surgery is yet another reminder of the importance of taking care of one’s body and avoiding injury. While Tommy John surgery has become more common in recent years, it is still a major surgery with a long recovery period. It is important for athletes to take proper precautions to avoid injury and ensure their long-term health and success.
