Reactions After Atlanta Braves Pitcher Jonny Venters Throws Bullpen
By Jeff Schafer
Atlanta Braves reliever Jonny Venters is trying to recover from his second Tommy John surgery but a setback could have occurred on Sunday.
Venters threw an approximate 15 pitch bullpen in front of coaches at Turner Field on Sunday but around the 15th pitch he experience discomfort in his left elbow. He described the pain as a comparable one to the last time he was on the mound May 15th during a live batting practice.
Jonny is attempting to do something few pitchers have accomplished and that is to return to the mound after having the second TJ surgery.
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported that team doctors have said that there is no structural damage with Jonny’s elbow and that the discomfort is more than likely a sign of scar tissue build up that is affecting his flexor tendon.
“I guess the scar tissue is attached to the flexor [muscle],” Venters said. “When it starts to pull away, it creates some strain. It’s one of those things you have to battle through, get through it and get better for it.”
Docs say Venters's elbow is sound and he's likely dealing with scar tissue that is affecting his flexor muscle.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 26, 2014
Venters will now rest and try to keep hope alive that he'll eventually be able to return from his second TJ surgery
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 26, 2014
The 29-year old lefty had the goal of returning the to Braves bullpen by mid-June but that seems to be unrealistic now with this setback. Jonny will rest his arm this week and will probably try to throw again later this week or during the weekend.
“We’re just playing it day by day and when it starts to feel good again, throw again,” Venters said. “It’s one of those things you’ve got to battle through and be better for it. But it’s just a little sore.”
As the Braves bullpen continues to not be what it was last season, a healthy Jonny Venters return would be a huge lift in sprits.