Dodgers: Caleb Ferguson Facing Season-Ending Surgery, Decision Still to Be Made
The Dodgers could very well wend up without one of their top relievers for the rest of the year. Caleb Ferguson was sent to the injured list on Wednesday, and it doesn’t look great,
Ferguson threw to just one batter on Tuesday night before calling over to the Dodgers dugout. He was immediately removed with what looked like an arm injury right off of the bat. Dave Roberts later confirmed that he was undergoing testing on his throwing arm.
The worse fears were later confirmed when Roberts revealed that it was indeed UCL related and that there was a “pretty significant tear” that went along with it. The Dodgers probably will not be seeing him back this year, but he’s also facing missing time next year.
Dave said in the postgame that Caleb "has a decision to make," he can try to pitch with it or opt for surgery. If there's an option, that leads me to believe it's not a complete tear.
… Doc just called it "a pretty good tear" of the UCL. Team is prepped to be without him. https://t.co/ek3P1IMYPF
— Clint Pasillas (@realFRG) September 16, 2020
There is still a possibility that Ferguson will not need to have surgery. As has been the case with other UCL tears, there are alternatives to surgery. Whether or not that is a viable solution for Ferguson is a decision for him and the Dodgers medical staff to make.
Regardless, it’s safe to say that Ferguson will not be a factor in the playoffs this year. And that’s unfortunate, given the great season he was piecing together. Ferguson had pitched to a career-best 2.89 ERA across 21 appearances. He had also managed to hold right-handed batters to just a .191 batting average, another career-best.
The Dodgers will have to rely on Jake McGee, Victor Gonzalez, and Alex Wood for the time being. Scott Alexander also remains as an option if needed though he has been at the alternate location.
Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Tests Blister in Simulated Game, Roberts Optimistic
Dodgers however appear prepared to absorb this loss, as LHP options are plenty. However Baez should he is a concern with a reported decline in velocity.
Really a shame. Ferguson was on the rise. I really think he should get the surgery and take off for a year rather than a halfway solution. I wish him the best.
Obviously the reason why he started struggling so it does no good for him to stay. We got lefties in the pen
Wish Caleb the best. Just get the surgery done and be ready for next year. This season is doomed anyways as Roberts is still manager. And god no. Do not bring up Alexander. Watched him last year and this year throw 8 and 7 straight pitches that were either low or in the dirt and after each pitch he would groom the mound for his landing foot. Get a clue . After 3-4 pitches in the dirt make a frickin adjustment other than playing with the mound
Can’t afford to lose any releivers because you can’t trust Pedro and Kenley. Lux looks overmatched at the plate. Also Joc,Cody,and Max look horrible against any good southpaw. Going to be interesting!