Phillies Starter Jake Arrieta Reportedly May Need Elbow Surgery
By Sean Facey
As the Phillies continue to slip downwards in the playoff hunt, they may have just received a devastating blow.
Jake Arrieta, a key member of the starting rotation, has a bone spur in his right elbow that will likely require surgery, according to Ken Rosenthal.
Source: #Phillies’ Arrieta has bone spur in right elbow and at some point likely will require surgery. Story with @MattGelb. https://t.co/6NXjKV8dGg $
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 7, 2019
Surgery on a bone spur could potentially end Arrieta's season. A good case study would be Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi. He underwent a surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow back in mid-April and he hasn't made a start since.
Arrieta hasn't been his typical dominant self this year, but there's simply no denying that losing him would deal a crushing blow to Philadelphia's already dwindling playoff chances.
Jake Arrieta Has Bone Spur In Elbow, Could Require Surgery https://t.co/8jcSsTqEsO pic.twitter.com/h7pkrWYmzU
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) July 7, 2019
It cripples the rotation. Even if he sports a 4.67 ERA this year, the Phillies are better off with him pitching every five days than without him.
Though Arrieta himself said that a medical exam has yet to be scheduled, his elbow is sure to get checked out.
Source confirms Arrieta does have arm problem that will be checked. @Ken_Rosenthal reporting Arrieta has bone spur in elbow. Arrieta hinted at injury last night, refused to expound
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) July 7, 2019
The Phillies had better hope that Arrieta can dodge surgery.