Milwaukee Brewers' Rookie Robert Gasser Opts for Tommy John Surgery
Rookie left-hander Robert Gasser has chosen to undergo Tommy John surgery, marking a significant moment in his young MLB career. After consulting multiple medical professionals, the decision was made to go forward with the surgery, which is expected to sideline him for approximately 12 months.
A Promising Start Cut Short
Gasser's decision comes after a promising start to his career. He demonstrated notable potential in his early outings, achieving a 2-0 record with an impressive 2.57 ERA over five starts. However, his journey hit a roadblock when he experienced tightness and soreness in his throwing elbow following his last pitch on June 1. This discomfort was preceded by an issue in the spring with bone spurs in the same elbow, causing him to miss the end of spring training.
Draft and Trade History
Originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2021, Gasser's journey took another turn when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on August 1, 2022. His early success with the Brewers has been a source of hope for the team, which has struggled with pitching depth this season.
Impact on the Brewers' Pitching Lineup
The Brewers' pitching lineup has faced considerable challenges this season, and Gasser's surgery adds to these difficulties. His absence will undoubtedly strain the team’s pitching depth even further. Despite this setback, Brewers' manager Pat Murphy remains optimistic about Gasser's future. "Tough break for him, obviously," Murphy commented. "The reasoning you can understand, right? Get it taken care of now, back in hopefully 12ish, 13ish months and be able to hopefully contribute."
Optimism for the Future
Murphy emphasized Gasser's early achievements: "I think the one thing he got out of the year was he understands, 'I can pitch in the big leagues. I can be successful.' He had as good a five starts as anybody could hope for in their first five starts in the big leagues." This rings true as Gasser’s initial outings showcased his ability to perform at the highest level, providing a strong foundation for a successful comeback.
A Strategic Move
Choosing to undergo Tommy John surgery is seen as a strategic move, despite the immediate loss of Gasser’s contributions. The Brewers' management is now shifting its focus to supporting Gasser through his recovery process. His resilience, combined with the organization’s support, could facilitate his successful return to the mound. "I think that's a big win for the organization and a big win for him," added Murphy. "He knows he can do it; the organization knows he can do it, so it bodes well."
Looking Ahead
As the Brewers grapple with their current pitching concerns, they will likely explore various options to bolster their rotation. Gasser's journey through surgery and recovery will be closely monitored by everyone involved. The Brewers' management and fans alike remain hopeful that Gasser's potential, as seen in his early performances, will lead to a strong comeback.
Although the short-term outlook may seem challenging, the Brewers are banking on Gasser's bright potential to shine through post-recovery. His successful return could provide a significant boost to the team's pitching lineup in the future.