The Oakland Athletics are looking to rebuild their pitching staff and they may be getting a big boost to their efforts with the return of Brett Anderson. The 24-year old southpaw missed most of the 2011 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery on his left elbow and has been busy rehabbing in preparation for the upcoming year. Spring Training is right around the corner and Anderson is about to take a big step towards his return to baseball.
Brett Anderson will throw off the mound for the first time since surgery Monday.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) February 18, 2012
And another update:
Anderson is slightly ahead of schedule but team thinking remains the same in that the goal is for him to return to rotation in August.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) February 18, 2012
Anderson will likely continue his rehab work throughout Spring Training and will throw numerous bullpens each week. Should everything go to plan, it sounds like the left-handed starter could begin a Minor League assignment by late-July and then see some time in Oakland for the stretch run.
Should Anderson hit a snag in his recovery, he may elect to just sit out the entire 2012 season and prepare for a big year in 2013. No reason to risk ruining your career for a few meaningless starts in September.
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