Happy Birthday Wish And A Get Well Soon Wish To An Atlanta Braves Pitcher

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves reliever, Cory Gearrin, will celebrate his 28th birthday today as he prepares himself for season ending Tommy John surgery.

Gearrin received opinions from three separate doctors in all different parts of the United States but the continuous verdict was the exact same – he will need surgery to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament on his right elbow.

The former 4th round selection by the Atlanta Braves, Gearrin, came into Spring Training competing for a relief position in the bullpen for the Braves but as the earned runs mounted so did Fredi Gonzalez‘s confidence in him.  In 11.1 innings pitched in 2014, he earned a 6.35 ERA.

There’s no possible way to determine the exact timing of the injury but the doctors believe it happened on a pitch during the March 25th game against the Detroit Tigers.

“I had never had any elbow issues in the past,” Gearrin said.  “For it to kinda happen like that was pretty surprising, but that’s the way it happens sometimes.”

The surgery will happen in New York and Mets team physician Dr. David Altchek will perform the operation.  Altchek is the surgeon who operated on both Braves pitchers Gavin Floyd and Anthony Varvaro.

David O’Brien tweeted out on Sunday that Gearrin will opt to have the surgery on Wednesday.  That means he can have a chance to celebrate his birthday and then have a day to “recover” before surgery…right?

Well, we all at Tomahawk Take wish Cory Gearrin a speedy and healthy surgery, recovery and birthday!!

“Get a new ligament for your birthday,” Gearrin said.

Also, a Happy Birthday wish goes out to former Atlanta Braves members today! – Greg Maddux, David Justice and Steve Aver.