Brandon Lyon’s disastrous year appears to have come to an end Thursday. The right hander underwent what is expected to be season ending surgery yesterday.
The procedure was performed by renowned surgeon and season-ender Dr. James Andrews. The specialist repaired Lyon’s detached right biceps tendon and also his right labrum. While the biceps tendon was a more recent injury, the labrum was a lingering one for the 31 year old.
Lyon entered the season as the Astros’ closer, but before hitting the disabled list in the beginning of May he blew as many saves as he was able to complete and his ERA was north of 7.
Upon returning in June, Lyon was not immediately handed the closer’s role, but many expected it just a matter of time before he resume his duties due to the large salary Houston’s paying him.
However, things didn’t get any better for Lyon. The righty only made 3 appearances before heading back to the DL, but not before raising his earned run average to 11.48. During those 3 games pitched, Lyon allowed 8 ER in only 2 innings of work.
Houston knew something was seriously wrong, and it later came out that Lyon would require the surgery he received Thursday.
One bright spot in the whole situation has been Houston’s interim closer, Mark Melancon. The 26 year old stepped in admirably for Lyon, and up until last Sunday was phenomenal for the Astros. Last weekend’s shelling at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays caused Melancon’s ERA to balloon from 1.98 to 3.11.
For most of the year Melancon had been able to keep his earned run average near or below 2. He’s completed 6 of 9 save opportunities and currently sits with an ERA of 3.08 and 1.34 WHIP.
For more on the Astros, be sure to check out Climbing Tal’s Hill.