Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
New York Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain suffered an open dislocation of his right ankle while playing with his son on Thursday.
“As we understand, they were at, they have these kids places where you jump on trampolines and stuff like that,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Friday.
Chamberlain had surgery on Thursday night at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and is expected to remain in the hospital for several days for the injury, which resulted in an open flesh wound around the ankle. Manager Joe Girardi was at the hospital early Friday morning.
There was no timetable for Chamberlain’s return, but Cashman labeled it a “significant injury.” Chamberlain was already working his way back from Tommy John surgery last June.
Chamberlain is scheduled for an MRI and CT scan later in the day, and Cashman said he would visit the pitcher after the tests are administered.
“I just feel for him as an individual, as a member of our family,” Cashman said. “We care a great deal about him, and we’re just right now gonna be there [for him].
“From a team standpoint, it’s a massive loss, because he’s really good. But right now the most important thing is not what it means to the team, but what it means to him personally, in the present and the future. Right now I don’t have any answers for anything.”
When asked if the injury could be career-threatening, Cashman said: “I couldn’t say, I just couldn’t say. I’d like to say no. My heart and my gut tells me no, that’s not the case.”
According to Dr. Michael Kaplan, ESPN’s medical analyst, Chamberlain will likely miss most of the season, as the injury leaves him unable to put weight on the leg for four to six weeks. A lengthy rehabilitation that includes range-of-motion and strengthening exercises will be needed.
The wound in an ankle open fracture/dislocation is typically treated promptly to prevent infection before a fracture reduction is performed with plate and screw fixation carried out, according to Kaplan.
During his early recovery, Chamberlain will be on crutches and wear a walking boot.
“I think you all know Joba is someone who has a history of healing very well. But at the same time, this is unfortunately the news of the day,” Cashman said.
The Yankees were not expecting Chamberlain to return from elbow surgery until June at the earliest. Chamberlain’s rehabilitation was progressing so well, he thought it could be sooner.
WRITTEN BY Information from ESPNNewYork.com’s Andrew Marchand was used in this report & FULL STORY HERE
