Washington Nationals News: Aaron Barrett To Undergo Elbow Surgery
By Ricky Keeler
Coming into this season, one of the Washington Nationals’ relievers that were in the spotlight was right-hander Aaron Barrett. Last season, in his rookie year, Barrett had a 2.66 ERA in 50 games and only gave up three runs over his final 15 games. Today, Barrett found out that his season is officially over as Matt Williams announced before tonight’s game vs. the Cardinals that Barrett will need to have surgery on his right elbow, likely Tommy John surgery, after visiting Dr. James Andrews recently:
Per #Nats manager Matt Williams, reliever Aaron Barrett will undergo surgery on his right elbow.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 1, 2015
The 27-year-old has not appeared in a game since August 5 against the Diamondbacks because of what was originally diagnosed as a sprained right elbow. However, it wasn’t the first injury Barrett has had this season. Back on June 12, he was put on the disabled list because of a right biceps strain he suffered in a June 11 outing against the Brewers. He ended up missing nearly a month before returning July 10 against the Baltimore Orioles.
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If Barrett has to have Tommy John surgery, it would mean that he would likely not pitch in 2016 as well since recovery from this kind of procedure usually takes about 12-18 months. It had been a rough season on the field for Barrett in his second year with the Nats. In 40 appearances, he went 3-3 with a 3.60 ERA and opponents were hitting .248 against him.
According to Fangraphs, his velocity on his fastball was up from last year. It went from 93.5 miles per hour in 2014 to a tick over 94 miles per hour this season.
Sammy Solis, who was called up today from triple-A Syracuse, will be one of the players who helps out in the Nats’ bullpen for the duration of the season. Solis was sent to triple-A on July 29 when the team officially acquired Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies.
It’s been a tough season for the Nats in terms of injuries, but particularly for the bullpen. Earlier today, the team put right-hander David Carpenter on the 60-day disabled list because of a right shoulder injury when they made the decision to call up catcher Pedro Severino to the big leagues with the rosters expanding to 40 players today:
Nats place David Carpenter (shoulder) on the 60-day DL to create a roster spot for Severino.
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) September 1, 2015
In addition, go back to early April when the Nats lost a key member of their bullpen that they have sorely missed this season. Craig Stammen, who was seen as one of the key members of the bullpen, underwent surgery on a torn flexor muscle in his right arm. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Barrett and that he can get back on the mound sooner rather than later.
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