A's starting pitcher Sonny Gray undergoes thumb surgery

A’s starting pitcher Sonny Gray undergoes thumb surgery

October 10, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) reacts after walking Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13, not pictured) to load the bases during the fourth inning in game five of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

It isn’t a surprise that Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray was set to undergo surgery on his left thumb, but on Friday, it was confirmed by the club that, in fact, the surgery had already taken place.

Sonny Gray has undergone successful surgery on his left thumb. He is expected to be fully recovered in time for spring training. #Athletics
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) October 18, 2013

It is important to note that Gray is actually a right-handed pitcher, and that the thumb surgery is on his non-throwing hand. Obviously, that doesn’t make a throwaway injury by any means, but the fact that Gray’s off-season throwing program won’t be affected is certainly a positive for both parties in 2014.

In 2013, the 23-year-old Gray was absolutely lights-out after being promoted from the minor leagues. He pitched 64 innings (12 games, 10 starts) with Oakland, and in those innings, he put up a 2.67 ERA (2.70 FIP) and a very good strikeout rate of 9.42 batters per 9 innings. It is certainly possible that Gray overachieved a bit while in Oakland, but he does have a high-end pedigree that should be factored in when projecting the young man moving forward.

Gray’s status is something to monitor in the offseason, but it clearly seems like all systems are a go for Spring Training in 2014.

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