How Do You Handle Tommy John Returns?

The Game · 09-03-2023, 03:47 AM

Normally I put them on a rehab assignment for a few weeks then a pitch count upon their return then turn them loose depending on if they are a RP or SP. I have a RP who over the last 3 seasons has a 1.09 ERA in around 35 total IP. He is sneaky fast. throws 93-95 but has high k's and low BB. I want to use him as a SU or CL around ASB, He is on a rehab assignment now.

Just wondering how others treat their P recovering from UCL.

Edit: I was a little off on his stats.

Brad K · 09-03-2023, 08:23 AM

I send them to AAA and check them in ten days.

reimroc427 · 09-09-2023, 01:12 AM

For major league starting pitchers I usually will send them down to the complex league for a brief, condensed start with usually just 30-40 pitches, or 6 batters faced. Then I will bump them up for another start as soon as they're back at 100%, but this time at A+ or A ball; usually whichever team is geographically closer at that given time. I may bump up to 40-50 pitches or 12 batters faced. Then I will get them up to Double A for a start and try to stretch them out to 60-75 pitches depending on their usual workload when healthy. By then it's time for 2-3 starts at Triple A, where the plan is for them to get up to 90+ pitches in at least one of those starts. By then their 30 days are up and they are ready to resume.

For major league relief pitchers I don't do a ton differently on the scheduling, just obviously not the same workload. I like to even put my relief pitchers in as a "starter" and use them as basically an opener for their first couple of rehab games at the Complex League level. Then they can move to A+ for a couple appearances, before progessing up to Triple-A for the remainder of their rehab assignment.

Curve Ball Dave · 09-09-2023, 02:59 PM

I send them on rehab to AAA for the full 30 days then make an assessment.

Pdubya64 · 09-13-2023, 02:32 PM

To be concise... very carefully. I've been burned by being too aggressive with pushing a TJ guy back too soon or too hard, i.e. too many pitches in an appearance. Just not worth it.

Brad K · 09-13-2023, 03:19 PM

After a TJ guy is back in the regular rotation, is anyone doing lots of mound visits? A little rest during each inning would be part of easing him into play.

09-03-2023, 03:47 AM	#1
The Game Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Inside The Game Posts: 30,937	How Do You Handle Tommy John Returns? Normally I put them on a rehab assignment for a few weeks then a pitch count upon their return then turn them loose depending on if they are a RP or SP. I have a RP who over the last 3 seasons has a 1.09 ERA in around 35 total IP. He is sneaky fast. throws 93-95 but has high k's and low BB. I want to use him as a SU or CL around ASB, He is on a rehab assignment now. Just wondering how others treat their P recovering from UCL. Edit: I was a little off on his stats. Attached Images __________________ Go today don't wait for tomorrow It isn't promised, all the time you get borrowed Don't live your life for other people Don't bottle your emotions till they crack and fill a couple just sorrows Take your mind and refocus go get a paper write your goals out Throw your middle fingers to all your haters "Stay Strong" Last edited by The Game; 09-04-2023 at 04:09 AM.

09-09-2023, 02:59 PM	#4
Curve Ball Dave Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,359	I send them on rehab to AAA for the full 30 days then make an assessment. __________________ "Hitting is timing. Pitching is upsetting timing"-Warren Spahn.

09-13-2023, 02:32 PM	#5
Pdubya64 Major Leagues Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Staunton, VA Posts: 491	To be concise... very carefully. I've been burned by being too aggressive with pushing a TJ guy back too soon or too hard, i.e. too many pitches in an appearance. Just not worth it. __________________ "Chew, if only you could see what I've seen with your eyes." - Roy Batty Blade Runner

09-13-2023, 03:19 PM	#6
Brad K Banned Join Date: May 2016 Location: St Petersburg Florida USA Posts: 6,693 Infractions: 0/2 (4)	After a TJ guy is back in the regular rotation, is anyone doing lots of mound visits? A little rest during each inning would be part of easing him into play. Last edited by Brad K; 09-13-2023 at 03:50 PM.

09-03-2023, 08:23 AM	#2
Brad K Banned Join Date: May 2016 Location: St Petersburg Florida USA Posts: 6,693 Infractions: 0/2 (4)	I send them to AAA and check them in ten days.

09-09-2023, 01:12 AM	#3
reimroc427 Bat Boy Join Date: Aug 2023 Posts: 6	For major league starting pitchers I usually will send them down to the complex league for a brief, condensed start with usually just 30-40 pitches, or 6 batters faced. Then I will bump them up for another start as soon as they're back at 100%, but this time at A+ or A ball; usually whichever team is geographically closer at that given time. I may bump up to 40-50 pitches or 12 batters faced. Then I will get them up to Double A for a start and try to stretch them out to 60-75 pitches depending on their usual workload when healthy. By then it's time for 2-3 starts at Triple A, where the plan is for them to get up to 90+ pitches in at least one of those starts. By then their 30 days are up and they are ready to resume. For major league relief pitchers I don't do a ton differently on the scheduling, just obviously not the same workload. I like to even put my relief pitchers in as a "starter" and use them as basically an opener for their first couple of rehab games at the Complex League level. Then they can move to A+ for a couple appearances, before progessing up to Triple-A for the remainder of their rehab assignment.