Justin Verlander Needs Tommy John Surgery

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander announced on Saturday that he needs Tommy John surgery to repair his injured right elbow.  He's only pitched in one game this season and was placed on the IL with a forearm strain shortly after.

Verlander denied at the time that he would miss the entire season.  In the video announcing that his season is in fact over the Astros ace said the injury worsened during a stimulated game he recently pitched.

 

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After consulting with several of the best doctors, it has become clear that I need Tommy John surgery. I was hopeful that I would be able to return to competition in 2020, however, during my simulated game unfortunately the injury worsened. Obviously I’m extremely disappointed, but I will not let this slow down my aspirations for my career. I will approach this rehab the only way I know, attack and don’t look back. I’m confident that with a proper rehabilitation program and my unwavering commitment that this surgery will ultimately lengthen my career as opposed to shorten it. I can’t thank my teammates, coaches, the front office and my fans enough for the support they have given me so far in this process. I’m eager to get through this recovery and back on the field to continue to do what I love.

A post shared by Justin Verlander (@justinverlander) on Sep 19, 2020 at 9:53am PDT

At 37 there aren't any guarantees that Verlander will be able to return, let alone to his Cy Young award winning form.

Maybe next time don't strongly deny reports that your season is over.  That has a way of coming back to bite you.