Jaime Garcia may face thoracic outlet surgery

After being placed on the disabled list in late June, it is now being reported that Jaime Garcia of the St. Louis Cardinals now faces a decision on whether to undergo thoracic outlet surgery.

The 27 year old pitcher underwent surgery to repair a 30-40 percent tear in his labrum last season. Due to the injury, he only appeared in nine starts the entire year. Upon his return this spring, Garcia posted a 4.12 ERA over seven starts prior to being placed on the disabled list. Originally saying it was left shoulder inflammation, the problem has persisted and further decisions are essential to recovery.

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Undergoing the procedure would likely end Garcia’s season.

Thoracic outlet surgery usually involves having a rib removed to alleviate nerve issues. This type of surgery is most commonly used to cure thoracic outlet syndrome, although no reports have stated that’s exactly what Garcia is suffering from, it is a highly likely guess. The syndrome is often caused by repetitive motion from throwing pitches. According to Mayo Clinic, it causes the blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib to become compressed.

Garcia is owed $9.25 million for next season while 2016 and 2017 have club options included in his contract. Over 600 innings in the MLB, Garcia has a 3.50 ERA, proving that he is a good pitcher when healthy. However, with his injuries being consistent over the past couple of seasons, his future in the majors in unknown.