‘Plateau’ for Nelson
Jimmy Nelson goes for a checkup of his surgically repaired right shoulder, but the Brewers say it’s part of the process, not a setback. There’s still no timetable for his return.
PHOENIX – Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jimmy Nelson had been so far ahead of schedule in his recovery from major shoulder surgery there were hopes it would be nothing but smooth sailing to return to action.
That scenario is seldom realistic with such complex injuries and recoveries, however, and Nelson had plateaued in his long-toss program off flat ground at 150 feet in recent weeks. To get a medical opinion on the situation, Nelson left the club Wednesday to go to Los Angeles to be examined Thursday by his surgeon, Neal ElAttrache.
“This is just part of the process of rehab,” general manager David Stearns said. “This is part of what happens if you have surgery with a doctor who is not in your hometown. Occasionally, you have to go and get checkups.
“It’s a routine ‘go, get checked up, make sure everything is still going as we hope.’ Then, hopefully, he’ll continue on with his rehab throwing program. I don’t think there’s really a level of concern here. I’m sure Jimmy would like this to be moving faster, but this is where we are right now.”
Everyone involved made it clear this was not considered a setback. It’s not uncommon when taking several steps forward to reach one that doesn’t go as quickly.
Nelson injured his right shoulder in multiple areas diving back to first base after a hit in Chicago last September.
“He’s been throwing at 150 feet for a while and we haven’t progressed to the mound because it’s not ready to progress to the mound,” manager Craig Counsell said. “We’re at a plateau.
“It’s important for everybody involved in the rehab process that we know we’re still going in the right direction. And it’s good for the player to have some positive mental feedback that you’re good and we can go to the next step.”
The Brewers have refrained from putting a timeline on Nelson’s return since the Sept. 19 surgery, because every player is different and his shoulder injury was extensive. A general expectation for such a recovery is 9 to 12 months, and Nelson is approximately eight months post-op.
“I know Jimmy would love ‘pre’ (allstar break)," Stearns said. “But right now the next step is to get him on a mound. If that takes two weeks, that’s great. If that takes another month, that’s OK. The next step is let’s keep progressing through the throwing program, get him on a mound throwing side sessions.
“Once we do that, it becomes much easier to map out a definitive ‘return to competition’ time frame.
“Look, we all know this was a complex surgery, and it’s a complex rehab and a complex recovery. We all want definitive answers – Jimmy more than everyone.”
Asked if he thought there was a chance Nelson could miss the entire season, Stearns said, “I don’t think we are at the point of thinking that’s a possibility.”
Nelson, who has attacked his rehab program in typical aggressive, all-in fashion, didn’t have much to say about the situation as he packed and prepared for the visit with ElAttrache.
“Just going to figure out a plan of action,” he said. “We’ll see if he thinks it’s good enough to progress, to keep throwing at 150 (feet) or go to the mound. It hasn’t been consistent enough to be off the mound. We’re still ahead of schedule.”
Further medical report: Catcher Stephen Vogt underwent season-ending shoulder surgery Wednesday by the same doctor. When he feels comfortable enough, he is expected to rejoin the club.
Right-hander Chase Anderson, on the DL after becoming ill in Colorado, has recovered sufficiently to be penciled back in the rotation Monday against Arizona at home. Righty Zach Davies (rotator cuff inflammation) threw a bullpen session and if he recovers with no issues will next throw in either a simulated game or a minorleague game.