The Arizona Diamondbacks thought they had locked up one of the solid values of the off-season when they signed veteran starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo.
Like most things in Arizona this season, that move did not work out, though information that surfaced on Monday might explain why. Arroyo was dealing with a torn UCL in his pitching elbow for many of the starts he posted en route to a 7-4 record, 4.08 ERA, and a 4.30 FIP. Granted those numbers are not terrible, but ultimately Arroyo had to be shut down with elbow tendinitis and now knows that he will require Tommy John surgery.
Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reported the results of Arroyo’s MRI:
#Dbacks Bronson Arroyo needs TJ surgery.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 7, 2014
#Dbacks Bronson Arroyo says an MRI last month showed his UCL had completely come off the bone.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 7, 2014
Arroyo had been the picture of durability over the course of his career. This is all unfamiliar territory for him, which might explain why he pitched through the discomfort for so long.
#Dbacks Bronson Arroyo said he made six starts w/UCL torn.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 7, 2014
With one more year left on his deal but entering the stretch run of his career at 37 years old, Arroyo insists that he will work his way back to pitch next season and beyond.
#Dbacks Bronson Arroyo says he is determined to come back and pitch another couple of years.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 7, 2014
If Arroyo rehabs successfully and is able to return to his inning-eating ways next season, he will still be a valuable pitcher for the Diamondbacks.
