Braves may get Gonzalez back sooner than expected
When Mike Gonzalez had Tommy John surgery at the end of May a year ago, the Braves were not expecting to have him back until the all-star break of this season, but that time table was moved up to early June because of the progress Gonzalez made over the winter.
Now, after pitching well in simulated games in extended spring training, the Braves are thinking Gonzalez may be back even sooner than that. Gonzalez is now 11 months into rehab from Tommy John, which normally requires a year, or a little more, to rehab. As of now, the Braves are thinking with the progress Gonzalez has made, he may be able to come back in a little over a month, sometime in late May.
Gonzalez has been facing hitters in simulated games and is near ready to begin his minor league rehab assignment. General manager Frank Wren thinks his rehab assignment should be about a week to ten days in length. After the rehab, Gonzalez should be ready to join the team.
If the Braves are concerned they may be pushing Gonzalez’s return a little, all they need to do is look at the rehab of Blue Jays closer, B.J. Ryan, in his attempt to return from Tommy John. Ryan had Tommy John surgery on May 10 last year and was activated from the disabled list last Sunday. Ryan has appeared in just two games so far for the Blue Jays, but the good news for the Blue Jays, Ryan, the Braves and Gonzalez is that Ryan hasn’t reported any setbacks since beginning his rehab nearly a month ahead of what Gonzalez will be when he starts his.
If B.J. Ryan’s recovery is any indication, Gonzalez may be able to return closer to 100% and able to pitch back-to-back days sooner into his return than Ryan did because of how much longer Gonzalez is along in his rehab.
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Mike Gonzalez