(WNFL)- Milwaukee Brewers’ right-hander Tyler Thornburg says he’s glad he didn’t have Tommy John surgery on an injured throwing elbow that knocked him out for the season last June. The 26-year-old Thornburg received a platelet-rich plasma injection and he said it only took him three months to achieve his desired results. Had he had Tommy John reconstructive surgery, Thornburg said he would have been out for at least most of this season and he’s done everything possible to come back in a timely manner. Whether that’s enough to keep him on the Brewers’ 25-man roster is yet to be seen. He was considered earlier as a possible long reliever but he’s competing with Rob Wooten and former Cleveland closer Chris Perez for one remaining spot in the Milwaukee bullpen. If he’s the odd man out, he could head to Triple-“A” Colorado Springs as a possible starter. Manager Ron Roenicke says it will all depend on the health of his relievers, and specific needs going into the regular season. The more Thornburg bounces back, Roenicke says the better he’ll be able to make the right decision. On Monday, Thornburg struck out four while giving up a run against Colorado. In 13-and-two-thirds innings this spring, he has a 2.63 ERA with 10 K’s, with a fastball that’s getting closer to his previous range in the mid-90’s.
Thornburg happy he didn’t get Tommy John Surgery
Mar 25, 2015 | 5:42 PM