Nationals reliever Will Harris will undergo surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome, manager Dave Martinez told reporters (including Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington). It’s expected to end his 2021 season.
The surgery marks the culmination of a difficult year for Harris. The veteran righty was delayed to start the season by inflammation in his throwing hand that affected his feel for the ball. He did manage to get back on a major league mound, tossing six innings over eight appearances. Harris was ineffective in that brief time, though, and he wound up back on the 10-day injured list last week. The Nationals figure to eventually transfer him to the 60-day IL, whenever the need for an additional 40-man roster spot emerges.
The recent track record of pitchers returning from the procedure is fairly spotty. Successful comebacks from TOS aren’t unheard of; current Rangers GM Chris Young and former Cardinals lefty Jaime García stayed healthy after the operation over the long haul. Diamondbacks righty Merrill Kelly has made all his starts so far in 2021 after having the surgery last September. Still, there are a few prominent players (Matt Harvey chief among them) who never managed to return to their prior form after the procedure. It’s a particularly concerning development for Harris, who’ll turn 37 years old in August.
Before this unfortunate saga, Harris built a reputation as one of the sport’s most consistent relievers. The veteran didn’t allow more than 3.49 earned runs per nine in any season between 2015-20. That reliability earned him a three-year deal from Washington over the 2019-20 offseason. He remains under contract in 2022 on an $8MM salary.
Man that sucks. He was a great reliever.
Saw the headline and all I could think was, “I don’t know, will he?”
That’s not a good thing, thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Time for the O’s to cut bait on Matt Harvey, or for him to fully embrace becoming a relief pitcher. Not sure how different the results would be, but if he wants to still live the “Big City Life” and get a few hot chicks from time to time due to who he used to be (and the money he still has), instead of the Minor Leagues in small towns where women only have a few teeth, he needs to adapt. He’s no longer the Dark Knight of Gotham City. At best right now, he’s a doorman to Wayne Manor, and if he doesn’t start pitching well again, he’ll be written off the script entirely.
Harvey should’ve signed a extension with the Mets when he was still looking like a ace. Probably could’ve tripled his earnings to this point but instead listened to Boras…
And every team who didn’t draft trout should have drafter trout. Can’t play the “should’ve” game. Although, I don’t know how anyone turns down huge offers. Once those zeros fly in there on the paycheck, I would alway take it while it’s offered. Never know if injuries like him, terrible play like lindor, or even a pandemic will take place. Once you get an offer that will set your family up for generations,
Too bad for Harris. I’m sure he was shooting for a full pension and retirement. I’d say he’s done. Still gets paid for next 1.5 plus seasons. Should get him close to nine years service time and probably 200k a year at 62 unless he takes the pension early.
And a nice pension of probably 200k a year if he waits until he’s 62
That’s worst than TJS. I hope he has great recovery and comes back even better!
Never heard much of thoracic outlet surgery up until the las few years and suddenly several.with as many that are being done, wondering if it will soon become a more common and successful procedure much the same that TJ surgery did and be a career saver and not a kiss of death injury like UCL tears used to be
Career Over….