Pitcher AJ Burnett
Pitcher AJ Burnett's Progress Ahead of Schedule
When AJ Burnett went down with an elbow injury that
needed reconstructive surgery in April of last season, the initial prognosis was
that he would not be able to throw a baseball anywhere from 12-18 months.
Apparently, Burnett is a fast healer as his rehabilitation is well ahead of
schedule. The best-case scenario rehabilitation for pitchers recovering from
elbow reconstructive surgery (also known as Tommy John Surgery) is 9 months
before they can resume throwing workouts.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26th, after he completed is first
public workout AJ was quoted as saying "I'll be back sooner than a lot of people
expect." Burnett said he threw at "85-90 percent" of his full velocity. He also
was able to work through his full arsenal of pitches; fastballs, curveballs, and
changes. "I'm throwing hard and I'm throwing strikes. So far I haven't missed a
beat" Burnett boasted confidently.
Team officials, however, are sticking to May 1st as Burnett's return date. "AJ's probably not going to be back until May 1, but
who knows?" manager Jack McKeon was quoted as saying. "He probably could start
sooner than we're going to let him. I see a very determined young man that wants
to prove something."
Burnett agrees with management's plan for his
comeback. "I'm strong. I'm in the best shape I've ever been in." Burnett
confidently expressed. "I couldn't be happier with where I am now, but I'm not
going to rush it."