Marlins' Jose Fernandez cleared to begin throwing program on Oct. 1
Marlins ace Jose Fernandez has been cleared to begin a throwing program on Oct. 1 as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery, according to the Associated Press. He met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed his elbow reconstruction, on Thursday.
"A lot of good news came out of that in going up there and seeing him so I'm really excited," said Fernandez to the Associated Press. "I'm feeling great. I'm feeling like I didn't have the surgery so I think that's good news."
Fernandez, 22, had his surgery on May 16. Throwing programs typically begin 16 weeks after Tommy John surgery, so he is right on schedule with that Oct. 1 start date. It's a long process, so Fernandez will only throw for 3-4 minutes at 30-45 feet initially.
Tommy John surgery typically comes with a 12-month rehab, though that has come under some scrutiny since pitchers like Kris Medlin, Cory Lueble, Brandon Beachy and Jarrod Parker needed a second procedure earlier this year. Dr. James Andrews said 12 months may be too aggressive.
It is still way too early for the team to set a firm timetable for Fernandez's return to game action. However, he did say that when the time comes, he would love to make his first post-surgery start at home in front of Marlins fans.
"If it's Opening Day, great. If it's September next year, great. It will depend on how I feel," he said. "Whatever day it is, hopefully I would love for it to be a home game."
Fernandez went 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP in eight starts and 51 2/3 innings this year before blowing out his elbow. He went 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in 28 starts last year, which earned him the NL Rookie of the Year award and a third-place finish in the NL Cy Young voting.
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