New York Yankees: What Does Surgery Mean for Joba Chamberlain's Career?

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What Does Season-Ending Surgery Mean for Joba Chamberlain's Career with the New York Yankees?

When Joba Chamberlain was put on the disabled list for the New York Yankees, many people feared the worst.

On Saturday, their worst fears were realized.

After visiting the renowned Dr. James Andrews, he has concluded that Chamberlain will need Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, and that he will miss the remainder of this season and some of next season.

In his fifth season in the majors, Joba was just starting to fit into his role nicely of being a bullpen staple. Now he has to look to fellow Yankee pitcher A.J. Burnett for inspiration because Burnett had Tommy John surgery and has come back strong.

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Joba told the New York Post:

This is a surgery that a lot of people have. People understand that you can come back from this. Surgery is just one-third of it. The rehab is two-thirds of what's going on. That's an important part, and the most important part.

Chamberlain was one of the brightest young prospects to ever come along, but during his route to success, the road took some odd turns. From his limited pitch counts and his transfer to the bullpen, he has been a lightning rod of debate in New York.

This surgery might be the best thing for Joba in the long haul, but only if he uses this time to get in better condition.

If he can get himself right mentally during the long recovery process, Chamberlain has the stuff to make it back to the big leagues maybe better than he left it.

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