Atlanta Braves Sean Rodriguez ”They’re expecting me to be out the whole year, and I’m not”

Braves Rodriguez hoping to be cleared to resume at least some baseball activities

On January 28, 2017, Atlanta Braves Sean Rodriguez and his entire families life changed dramatically.  While driving their SUV in Florida, Rodriguez, his wife Giselle and two of the couple’s four children were struck by a stolen police cruiser in a very serious crash.

Rodriguez sustained extensive damage to his left shoulder, labrum damage and a dislocated bicep tendon, his wife suffered a broken leg, wrist and three broken ribs and their two sons also were injured.

Soon after the accident and knowing the extent of the injuries, Rodriguez underwent surgery to repair left rotator cuff on February 14 and was placed on the 60-day DL on February 25.  Many believed he was lost for the entire 2017 season.  But should they have counted him out so soon?

On Saturday night, the Braves posted a video after Rio Ruiz hit his first home run of his career.  It was a shot inside the dugout and as I watched it I noticed Rodriguez in the dugout.

I spotted the 32-year-old in the dugout without a sling and in a Braves uniform.  Really great to see him there with the team, but then I began thinking ‘when can he return’?

Well…he spoke with the media before Monday night’s game and put out the possibility of returning this season.

“They’re expecting me to be out the whole year, and I’m not,” Rodriguez told MLB.com. “I told them that from Day One, ‘I’m going to be back. Don’t count me out just yet.'”

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Oh okay!!  

I saw on twitter Rodriguez was doing sprints in the outfield of SunTrust Park.  Great sign as well.

Then, I saw he supposedly has a visit with Dr. Jame Andrews next week to re-examine all injuries.  If all goes well during this doctors appointment, Rodriguez hopes to be cleared to resume at least some baseball activities.

“It’s been an uphill battle, physically and mentally,” Rodriguez told the media Monday. “But I’m physically coming around now. Mentally, I’m in a good place because my family is doing fine.”

Two months prior to this awful accident, Rodriguez signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with Atlanta.

This would be amazing if the Braves could get Rodriguez back before the season ends.  Would it be possible for an August return?  I’m not putting anything past him.

Next: MLB Mock Draft Version 4...Braves Going After INF/OF...

What if Braves get Freddie Freeman and Rodriguez back around the same time.  Could the Braves stay relevant until these two return?  Man, some nights I think it’s possible!