Joey Estes Begins Road to Recovery After Successful Spinal Surgery
Promising Update for the Young Pitcher
In a significant update from the Oakland Athletics, the team’s injury report revealed promising news regarding Joey Estes, a former Atlanta Braves prospect acquired in the Matt Olson trade back in 2022. The Athletics announced that Estes successfully underwent spinal surgery on Tuesday, performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins IV at Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital in Los Angeles.
Estes faced a challenging start to the season, finding himself in the Athletics’ Opening Day rotation as the fifth starter. His initial outing did not go as hoped, as he surrendered six runs on nine hits while walking four batters in just four innings against the Chicago Cubs. The struggles continued during his second start in Colorado, where he again allowed six runs, this time in just three innings.
Surgical Details and Recovery Path
The surgery Estes underwent was a microdiscectomy at the right L5-S1 vertebral level, a procedure aimed at alleviating pressure on the spinal nerves. Following the operation, the young pitcher will remain in Los Angeles to begin his recovery treatment, which is expected to carry into the offseason.
This surgery marks a crucial step in Estes’ journey back to the mound. The Athletics and their fans will be closely monitoring his rehabilitation process, hoping it leads to a strong return in the future. As the team grapples with injuries and seeks to stabilize their rotation, Estes’ recovery could be pivotal for their pitching depth moving forward.
Looking Ahead for the Athletics
Estes’ situation underscores the challenges faced by the Athletics as they navigate a season marked by injuries. The team’s rotation has been under strain, and the successful surgery provides a glimmer of hope for a more robust lineup in the coming months. With Estes’ resilience and determination, there is optimism surrounding his potential return to form, which could greatly benefit the Athletics as they look to build for the future.
