Tyler Zombro to be ready for Tampa Bay Rays spring training

Let’s go back to June 3, 2021. On that day, Tampa Bay Rays minor league pitcher Tyler Zombro was struck in the head with a line drive, instantly collapsing on the mound. He began shaking uncontrollably for several minutes, eventually being taken from the ballpark on a stretcher and brought to a nearby hospital. Amazingly, he was up and walking within a couple of weeks of the incident, talking about getting back on the mound to compete.

That time will come at the end of February. Zombro has been cleared by his doctors and the league to resume his career, which will begin when he joins the Rays for spring training on February 28.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Tyler Zombro ready to begin comeback

The fact that he is able to come back at all is an incredible achievement. He does not remember being struck in the side of the head by that 100 MPH comebacker, nor most of the six days following. Zombro temporarily lost motor skills on the left side of his body and had difficulty speaking in the weeks after the incident.

But he refused to give up. Even with the 16 titanium plates in his head and 32 screws to stabilize his skull and reduce pressure on his brain, Zombro was clear in his plans – he was going to get back on the mound and resume his career.

There will be some changes. He will be wearing a Kevlar insert in his cap now in hopes of protecting himself against the possibility of something like that happening again. Hopefully, this will not be anything that he will need, but as Zombro can attest to, it is better to be safe than to go through that type of situation once again.

Zombro’s return is not complete. He still needs to throw with someone in the batter’s box and see how he reacts when they swing the bat. Fielding drills and comebackers will be interesting as well as the Rays will need to see his reaction there also. But Zombro has been working as best as possible to be ready for that eventuality. After all he has been through, there is no reason to count him out.

Tyler Zombro is expected to be ready for spring training. The fact that he is able to come back at all is a testament to his determination and willpower.