Jon Garland Had Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
By Editorial Staff
Jon Garland’s 2011 is officially over, as the right hander underwent season-ending shoulder surgery Monday. The procedure was on Garland’s labrum, bursa and rotator cuff.
Garland was originally sidelined in the beginning of June with what was called an inflammed shoulder. News continually got worse for the 31 year old. Soon after Garland hit the disabled list for the second time in 2011, the Dodgers didn’t seem confident he would be returning to action very soon.
Reports later emerged claiming the injury could be more serious, perhaps dealing with Garland’s labrum. Finally in early July, Garland received a second opinion on the shoulder by specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum and ultimately decided surgery was his best option. Even if he hadn’t undergone the procedure this season, it still wasn’t clear if he would be able to pitch again in 2011.
Injuries waited a long time to hit Garland, and when they struck they struck hard. Garland hadn’t been on the DL over his first 11 major league seasons before making a pair of trips in 2011.
It appears the Dodgers had an idea that the shoulder could become an issue as the year progressed. When the club signed Garland this offseason, part of the deal included an $8 million option that would have vested if the pitcher was able to log 190 innings and was not on the disabled list during September with an arm injury.
Before his season was derailed, Garland had appeared in 9 games for the Dodgers. Over his 54 innings of work Garland posted a 4.33 ERA and a WHIP of 1.39.
Rubby De La Rosa has stepped up for LA to fill Garland’s spot in the rotation. The rookie has made 7 starts, compiling a record of 2-4.
De La Rosa struggled over his first 4 starts, but has recovered nicely since. The 22 year old has turned in 3 straight quality starts including this Saturday when he held the Padres to one hit over 6 shutout innings.
De La Rosa’s allowed only 4 earned runs and 12 hits over his last 20 IP while striking out 17. On the year the righty’s posted an ERA of 3.74 and 1.31 WHIP for the Dodgers.
For more on the Dodgers, be sure to check out Lasorda’s Lair.