Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly has shoulder surgery
Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly might not be ready in time to start next season after having shoulder surgery yesterday in Los Angeles.
Lilly underwent a left shoulder arthroscopy and debridement performed by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Lewis Yocum. During the surgery, Dr. Yocum found no major damage to Lilly's shoulder and the procedure consisted of a washout and clean up of the shoulder. The procedure took approximately one hour to complete.
(AP)
Lilly will immediately begin an aggressive range of motion and strengthening program. After the first of the year, Lilly will be re-evaluated and the club will establish a timetable for him to begin his throwing program in preparation for the 2010 season. Typically, recovery time for a procedure such as this would place Lilly's return to the Cubs rotation within the month of April.
"We are pleased that Ted's surgery was a success and are eager to see him begin his rehabilitation program," said Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry. "After Ted's re-evaluation following the first of the year, a determination will be made as to when he will begin his throwing program. At this point in time, it is too early to precisely project Ted's return to the Cubs rotation; most estimates would place that return within the month of April.
"At the conclusion of the 2009 season, Cubs team doctors prescribed a conservative approach to managing Ted's shoulder in preparation for the 2010 season and, following a second opinion, Dr. Yocum agreed," Hendry continued. "At the end of last week, Ted decided that undergoing a surgical procedure was the course of action he wanted to pursue, a decision the club supported. We're glad the surgery did not reveal any major damage to Ted's shoulder and look forward to his return to our rotation."