If not for bad luck, Los Angeles Angels would have no luck at all! On Saturday afternoon, the organization announced that left-handed pitcher John Lamb will undergo Tommy John surgery, ending his season for 2018. Lamb had an MRI on his elbow on Saturday afternoon, which showed a torn ulnar collateral ligament, that will require Tommy John surgery to repair.
Lamb pitched on Tuesday night against the Boston Red Sox, lasting just 1.2 innings and giving up six hits and five runs, in the loss against the Red Sox. Following the loss against the Red Sox, Lamb was placed on the 10 day disabled list due to what the Angels called, “elbow inflammation” however upon further review of the injury, the team decided to send Lamb for an MRI, which showed the small tear.
Lamb will become the fourth pitcher in 2018, on the Los Angeles Angels pitching staff require Tommy John surgery. Lamb has only been with the big ball club since June 16, when he was called up to make a spot start. Lamb had started three games this year for the LA Angels and had a 0-1 record with a 7.20 ERA.
Lamb is the fourth pitcher on the Angels rotation that has had, or is scheduled to have, major surgery in the 2018 season. Garrett Richards, Blake Wood and Kenyan Middleton have all dealt with issues that have required a surgery and a stint on the disabled list. In addition to Richards, Wood and Middleton, two-way star Shoehei Ohtani is also dealing with an elbow injury, however his injury is not as severe and the orgnaization is hoping that the injury will not require surgery.
The Japanese two-way player is 4-1 on the season with a 3.10 ERA. Ohtani was placed on the disabled list on June 8 and is awaiting his release to be able to play, at least at the designated hitter spot in the lineup. It is unlikely that Ohtani will pitch again before the All-Star break, or possibly even longer.
The Angels also recently announced that right-hander Jake Jewell underwent successful right ankle surgery on Friday, June 29. Jewell was originally injured on Wednesday night, running home to backup the play at the plate from which a Boston Red Sox player was sliding into home plate. Jewell broke his ankle and is not expected to see action for the remainder of 2018.
Shortstop Zack Cozart had surgery on Friday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Cozart is not expected return to action this year, with the team estimating a 6 to 8 month recovery.
The Angels are hoping to get Garrett Richards back in their lineup next week in their series against the Seattle Mariners. Richards made a rehab start in the minor leagues on Friday and the Angels are hoping that he will recover healthy and be able to be taken off the disabled list, late next week. Richards has gone 4-4 on the season over 14 starts, with a 3.52 ERA.
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