Beachy's elbow suffers no additional damage
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Brandon Beachy has no structural damage in his elbow but will remain shut down for 10 days before he attempts to throw again.
The right-hander was examined Monday by Dr. James Andrews, who confirmed that there is no additional damage to an elbow that underwent Tommy John reconstruction surgery last year after Beachy tore the ulnar collateral ligament while leading the National League in ERA. He returned in late July but has not pitched since Aug. 20.
"He confirmed what I've been hoping," Beachy told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday. "He just thought it was inflamed, a lot of fluid in there. The ligament is intact and it's good news."
The 26-year-old Beachy had made five starts since his return from the surgery and was 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA before he felt discomfort in the elbow.
There is a possibility that Beachy could be used as a reliever if he's able to return. Without Beachy, the Braves' starting rotation consists of Mike Minor, Julio Teheran, Kris Medlen, Paul Maholm and Alex Wood.
"Obviously, I think of myself as a starter and plan to be a starter in the future, but I'm no dummy," Beachy told the Journal-Constitution. "You look at the timing of everything, I'm willing to help this team any way I can. Obviously, my first priority is making sure I'm healthy and then beyond that helping this team win is paramount."
