Oakland Athletics: Dallas Braden Done for 2011

In an unfortunate turn of events, Athletics lefty Dallas Braden is done for the season. 

Following an April 17 outing against the Detroit Tigers, Braden complained of stiffness in his left shoulder.   

That stiffness turned out to be torn capsule in his pitching shoulder.

Braden underwent successful surgery, confirming that his season is in fact finished. Recovery time is not yet known. 

If this type of injury sounds familiar, it’s because New York Mets' franchise starter, Johan Santana, underwent the same type of surgery last September. 

There is no doubt that the surgery and rehab will be successful; it’s very uncommon in the time we live in that a sports injury cannot be corrected. 

The only problem I can see is how well Braden’s shoulder responds to the rehab and treatment. 

Braden is already considered a “soft tosser” who rarely hits 90 mph on the gun. Will he be reduced to Moyer status when he returns?

Or will the rehab give him that extra boost—something that is seen from those recovering from Tommy John surgery? 

More than likely, the franchise and its fans won’t see Braden at 100 percent until midway through 2012. By then, we should all know what to expect. 

Three starts into a fourth major league season and the perfect game thrown last Mother’s Day seems like a distant memory after today.
 

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective 

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals & Gateway Grizzlies, and is now an independent scout.

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