Local Sports
Clay suffers season-ending injury; will have Tommy John’s surgery
By Justin GravesJust after concluding a fun visit back to Cullman over the weekend, Caleb Clay was hit with bad news as soon as he arrived back in Lowell, Mass.
Already on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right elbow, the Lowell Spinner’s — the A affiliate for the Boston Red Sox — right-hander was anxiously awaiting the results from an MRI that was performed last week.
On Clay’s first day back in Lowell Monday, the former Cullman High baseball star received news he didn’t want to hear: He needs to have Tommy John’s surgery on his right elbow, which means he will be out for the remainder of the season.
“Unfortunately, I was kind of expecting it,” Clay said. “But I know that’s the best thing for me and my career.”
During Clay’s last start two weeks ago, the right-hander was pulled early in the second inning with a sore pitching elbow. According to Clay, he’s been bothered with a nagging pain in his right elbow for an extended period of time, but somehow has managed to pitch through it.
“It’s something that’s gone on for a while now,” Clay said. “It’s just kind of been a nagging pain in my pitching elbow. It’s really frustrating, but overall I know it’s for my own good.”
Clay said Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham could perform the surgery as early as this week. After that, the right-hander will fly back to Lowell where he will begin rehab immediately.
“I don’t know when they’ll do it, I just know it will be soon,” Clay said. “They could fly me out as early as tomorrow. All I know is that I’m ready to get it over with.”
Knowing that Tommy John’s surgery has become somewhat common in professional baseball during the past decade, Clay didn’t have to look very far to find some educated advice.
Clay said he’s already spoken with several different players that have had Tommy John’s surgery, and asked them what he should expect. Clay said the information he’s gathered has helped ease his mind somewhat.
“I’ve talked to a bunch of guys who’ve had Tommy John’s,” Clay said. “And everyone keeps telling me the same thing. I fully expect to come back from this. In fact, I’m kind of glad that I’m getting it out of the way now.
“After I have surgery, I’m going to work hard and get back on the field. And hopefully there won’t be anymore problems after this.”
Clay finished the season with a 1-0 record through five starts.
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