Dodgers Offseason: Pitcher Danny Duffy Avoids Major Surgery, Will Not Retire
Think all the way back to the time the Dodgers traded for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. That transaction was undoubtedly the headliner of the deadline. But just before that move, Andrew Friedman pulled off another vintage Andrew Friedman move acquiring left-handed pitcher Danny Duffy for a player to be named later.
He was injured at the time of the trade so the deal was with the hope that the hurler could make a September return. Unfortunately, it never turned out that way.
While ramping for a return from the injured list, Duffy re-injured himself in a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium and that was all she wrote for his 2021 season. The prognosis at the time seemed bleak. It appeared like the lefty could be heading toward the second Tommy John surgery of his career. Or retirement.
On Wednesday, Andy McCullough of The Athletic reported a more positive outlook for the 32-year-old. Tommy John was off the table and instead he underwent an operation to repair a damaged elbow flexor tendon.
“I’m pumped,” Duffy told McCullough. “I was going to take it to the house. But I got the itch. I’ve got more in the tank, for sure.”
Duffy will continue his surgery rehab and hopes to start a throwing program sometime in March, aiming for a June return to the big leagues. With what team, however, is a mystery. He’s currently a free agent and no longer a Dodger. With the expected return of left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson and several other left options still in the bullpen, chances aren’t high that he returns to LA.
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Good for him, (I guess)….NEXT!
We need him!!!!!! Lock him up ASAP!!!!!!!!!
JT is almost done. Trea is a free agent after the 22 season. If you get a hitter like that you go get him.
If he can start for the second half of the season, make 10-12 starts, July – August – September, that could be very helpful. By then some other pitchers on the staff may be injured and replacements may be necessary. Even if he just goes to the bullpen but can pitch more than an inning at a time, that could be valuable. Sign him if possible. His ERA last year was 2.50. He has been steadily good for several years. He was the Royals’ No. 1 for a few years. The Royals traded him because he was going to leave in free agency and would be too expensive for the Royals to re-sign. 2 years, match best offer elsewhere.