Tampa Bay Rays reliever Nick Anderson hasn’t been able to pitch at all in the 2022 season.
He has been nursing elbow discomfort for months now: in fact, he underwent a brace-installation procedure in October to repair a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
He wasn’t expected to be an option for Tampa until the second half, but that instance is just a few weeks from now and he is still showing discomfort.
It’s not normal, and clearly, something is up.
Rays manager Kevin Cash provided an update of his status, and it’s not something that will make Rays fans happy.
“#Rays Cash with an extensive injury update, biggest news that Nick Anderson will meet with Dr. Meister on Tuesday due to continuing elbow discomfort. ‘Not ideal,’ Cash said,” Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported via Twitter on Monday.
#Rays Cash with an extensive injury update, biggest news that Nick Anderson will meet with Dr. Meister on Tuesday due to continuing elbow discomfort. “Not ideal,” Cash said
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 20, 2022
Tommy John Surgery Could Be In Play
Anderson has been one of the Rays’ most important bullpen arms in recent memory.
Losing him for a season-and-a-half (which would be the scenario if he had to undergo Tommy John surgery) would be a huge blow for the organization.
If that’s indeed the case (it’s a tangible possibility, unfortunately), we may not see Anderson back until 2024.
However, it’s not the only possible outcome: we will have to wait and see what Dr. Meister thinks about Anderson’s elbow.
The Rays are currently in possession of one of the American League’s postseason spots, but haven’t been as sharp this year as they usually are.
They are 36-30, and are third in the AL East.
They have also lost seven of their last 10 games and the Boston Red Sox are just half-game behind.
They need difference-makers like Anderson, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like he is going to return any time soon.
NEXT: Shane McClanahan Continues His Elite Run Thursday Afternoon