Yankees reliever makes choice final amid Tommy John Surgery speculation

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NEW YORK — For more than a week, the Yankees and right-handed pitcher Ryan Weber were considering the best options. However, the reliever has finally decided to avoid Tommy John Surgery and the team is ready to support his decision.

The surgery would have addressed the issue of his right forearm strain that has forced Ryan Weber to move to the 60-day injured list. However, this means the Yankees were going to be without the pitcher for the remainder of this season and potentially the entire 2024 season.

Is surgery the last option for Ryan Weber?

Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed Ryan Weber’s decision on Sunday afternoon. After his injury, the Yankees pitcher has made his decision to avoid surgery and chosen to receive a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection. His plan is to overcome his injury and rehabilitate without undergoing a surgical procedure. 

Medical opinions received by the Yankees offered diverse suggestions. Instead of opting for surgery, Ryan Weber has the option to pursue a non-surgical approach. By undergoing a combination of treatment and rehabilitation, he can focus on strengthening the affected area and gradually regaining his strength, which offers a more efficient timeline for recovery.

This week, both Aaron Judge and Nestor Cortes received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to aid in their recovery. Aaron Judge had a toe sprain, while Nestor Cortes had a shoulder sprain. PRP injections are a type of treatment used to enhance the healing process in muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

The 32 years old Ryan Weber has been an important asset for the Yankees in the bullpen since last year. Since his first appearance with the Yankees last summer, he has maintained an impressive 2.16 ERA while serving in the bullpen. Although he has had occasional stints in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he has consistently contributed to the team’s success.

In early May of this year, Ryan Weber received a promotion from Triple-A to join the Yankees’ bullpen. His call-up came at a time when the team was facing numerous injuries and needed a fresh arm to reinforce the pitching staff.

Yankees desperately need Ryan Weber

Following his initial appearance of the season where he surrendered three earned runs, Ryan Weber displayed a remarkable improvement by conceding only two runs in his subsequent 12 1/3 innings pitched. This notable performance amounted to an impressive 1.45 ERA during that period.

Last month, Ryan Weber showcased his versatility by securing a save for the Yankees. He successfully closed out the game against the Reds, recording the final three outs and contributing to the Yankees’ victory.

Ryan Weber’s most recent appearance on the mound was 10 days ago against the Dodgers. Here he was he allowed one run in two innings of play. Unfortunately, the Yankees pitcher sustained an injury and was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list. Last Wednesday, his status was further changed.  And he was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Ryan Weber’s path to return to the Yankees will require significant effort. He undergoes an extensive rehabilitation program. It will be a challenging journey for him to make his way back to the team. Another challenge for the Yankees pitcher is that, even when he becomes healthy, there is no guarantee that he will be considered for a spot in the major league team’s roster.

Nevertheless, by opting for non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation, the likelihood of Ryan Weber returning to pitch for the Yankees at some point in the future has improved. His main objective is to regain his health and prepare himself to make a valuable contribution to the team’s victories. Despite not relying heavily on his velocity, he has shown remarkable performance in that role in the past.

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