We Talked with Atlanta Braves Pitcher Brady Feigl After His Tommy John Surgery

Atlanta Braves pitcher, Brady Feigl, told the world on Twitter this morning that he had to go under the knife and had Tommy John surgery.  This came about a week after he felt elbow discomfort in his left elbow while pitching for the Gwinnett Braves.  Braves fans were hoping the 24-year-old would be called up to the Atlanta Braves shortly after the season began.  Unfortunately, that will not happen now.

Tomahawk Take’s Alan Carpenter had the story this morning on this injury.  We reached out to Feigl and asked him a few questions about his Braves 2015 Spring Training experience as well as the injury.

Tomahawk Take: You pitched extremely well during the 2015 Braves Spring Training – 7.2 innings, 1 run, 0 walks and 7 strikeouts.  What was it like performing so well in front of the players and coaches that everyone strives to get to?

Brady Feigl: It was a dream come true. When I was out there on the mound, I didn’t pay attention to who I was pitching to. I was just trying to stay calm and do my job. It was so unbelievably fun and rewarding to get out there and show and prove what I could do. You get a slim window if even at all and I’m grateful I did, with that being said you have to make the most of it.

TT: With the offseason moves that John Hart made this past offseason, the Gwinnett Braves roster is extremely better than in years past. What were you most excited about when you were told you’d be playing in Gwinnett? 

Feigl: I was just excited to be playing ball period. It didn’t matter if the sent me back to High A or AA. Just to be able to keep doing what I love is good enough for me. I was excited to be playing with guys who were on the verge of being called up as well and being so close to Atlanta. Watching guys like Peraza make the plays that he did and others, they are just on another level.

TT: When you were sent down to Gwinnett, did you anticipate staying there long?

Feigl: I was just going to keep going about my business and routine and if I got the call then I got the call. Can’t think about it too much. I knew I was on the verge but you still have to go out compete and do your job when called upon.

More from Tomahawk Take

• Atlanta Braves 2023 Preseason Top 30 Prospects List: 1-5
• Braves News: Braves acquire Diaz, moves around the division, more
• Atlanta Braves 2012 Top Prospects Review: J.R. Graham
• Atlanta Braves Acquire Lewin Diaz from the Orioles
• Atlanta Braves 2023 Preseason Top 30 Prospects List: 6-10

TT: I hate to bring up the horrible news, but the injury that occurred – did you have any signs leading up to when it happened? Did you know right away it was bad?

Feigl: I had no signs. My forearm got extremely tight after the first pitch to the last batter I faced. Numbness and tingling ran down to my fingers. I tried to throw 2 more pitches after that to try to end the game but I couldn’t continue. I didn’t hear a pop like some do but I knew something wasn’t right pretty much right away.
.

TT: Tell me about the Tommy John surgery and would 12 months be an appropriate estimation of a return?

Feigl: I had the surgery yesterday morning with Dr. Andrews in Pensacola. Did some physical therapy this morning there as well. I would say 12-15 months. Going to take it day by day and follow the progression.

TT: You’ve gone through the torn labrum injury in college, and bounced back. Now this. What will be your steps as you progress to get back on the mound?

Feigl: From what I hear this is nowhere near as hard as the labrum, but still going to follow the same steps. Take it slow, do it right the first time so I don’t have to go through it again. I’m going to continue working my tail off like I was during the spring and hopefully get back to where I was but better and stronger than ever. I’ve proven a lot to many people and as well as myself. It’s just another bump in the road. It wasn’t my time yet, the man upstairs always has a plan. Just have to stay positive and work hard and never give up.

TT: Thank you again for taking time out of your day to help out with this Q&A. We were really rooting for you during Spring Training and hoping you’d get that call up soon. Hope everything goes well and you have a healthy recovery.

Feigl: Thank you. I greatly appreciate the support.