What is Tommy John surgery, and how long will Strasburg be out?
Tommy John surgery is the popular name for reconstructive surgery to the ulnar collateral ligament; Dr. Frank Jobe pioneered the procedure on the Dodgers pitcher of the same name, and John went on to pitch another 13 seasons after the surgery. In the operation, the doctor takes a ligament either from the patient’s other arm or below his knee and weaves it through tunnels in the ulna (forearm bone) and humerus (upper arm bone). Strasburg is expected to be out 12 to 18 months, meaning he would either be ready next September or at the start of spring training in 2012.
