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What does Ted Lilly's surgery mean to the Cubs
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Last week, Ted Lilly had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. At the same time a debridement was performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles. During the surgery no major damage to Lilly's shoulder was found. It basically consisted of a "washout and clean up of the shoulder," according to a Cubs news release. The procedure took about an hour to perform. When news got out about the surgery, Cubs fans across the country started a wave of "here we go again." But what does this surgery really mean? Was Lilly playing hurt toward the end of the season, much like Alfonso Soriano, and refused to admit it?
Take a deep breath and consider this. Lilly obviously knew there was a need to get his shoulder checked. He was on the disabled list in July for inflammation in that shoulder. Following the season, team doctors recommended a conservative approach to managing his shoulder to get him ready for the 2010 season. Lilly then decided that he would like to take the surgical approach. During the procedure Yocum was able to determine that there was no major damage in the shoulder, an there were no other underlying problems that would inhibit Lilly's return to the lineup in early 2010. According to the Cubs, Lilly was to immediately begin an aggressive range of motion and strengthening program. He will be re-evaluated after the first of the year and at that time the Cubs will establish a timetable for Lilly to begin a throwing program in preparation for the 2010 season. According to the Cubs, recovery time for a procedure like this would likely place Lilly's return to the rotation in the month of April.
"After Ted's re-evaluation following the first of the year, a determination will be made as to when he will begin his throwing program. At this point in time it is too early to precisely project Ted's return to the Cubs rotation; most estimates would place that return within the month of April," said Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry from the team's organizational meetings in Arizona last week.
Lilly was 12 -9 this season with an ERA of 3.10. He also had a career high of 21 quality starts and completed his fourth consecutive season with at least 150 strikeouts. He was the Cub player named to the All-Star team. If the Cubs decide to go with five starters, they won't need a fifth starter until later in April, which would coincide with Lilly's expected return. More will be known after Jan. 1. If this surgery is successful, Lilly should come back strong and healthy and have a great 2010 season!
