Anderson Leaves Team; Surgery Looming?
By Editorial Staff
A’s starter Brett Anderson is once again dealing with elbow discomfort and has returned west for further evaluation. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle notes that Anderson is concerned that Tommy John surgery may be required.
Anderson dealt with elbow issues twice last season. Both times it only ended up as inflammation, and the lefty was able to return. He finished the year strong, maintaining an ERA of 2.80 in 2010.
He believes things are different this time, as the infamous decrease in velocity is involved. Anderson has seen his fastball dip from mid to lower 90’s, but more concerning to him is the state of his slider. He’s been throwing his best pitch 3-4 mph slower and it’s lost effectiveness.
Oakland’s rotation has already been decimated by injuries this year. Dallas Braden had shoulder surgery that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Braden’s replacement, Tyson Ross, and fellow starter Brandon McCarthy are both currently on the A’s disabled list.
Even with their plague of injuries, the A’s have still managed the 2nd best earned run average in the majors. If they could get some offensive support the team would likely be sitting prettier than 27-33.
If Anderson misses time, Slusser believes the team would likely call up lefty Bobby Cramer to fill his spot.