Chicago Cubs: The pros and cons of signing Tyson Ross

Ross fails to regain velocity, command

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The book on those who have had the surgery and their return from it doesn’t bode well for Ross. While there isn’t a definitive link, it appears that the older a pitcher is after having the surgery, the less likely they are to be effective following it. One of the exceptions of the group is that of Chris Young. Following his surgery in which he missed the entire 2013 season, he bounced back to have two solid seasons. Last year he earned a ring with the Kansas City Royals. An injury shortened this year, but at 37 he’s the exception to the rule.

The injury has ended the careers of several high-profile pitchers. For Josh Beckett, the injury was one of several that led to the end of his career. Beckett didn’t see a drop in velocity, but his command struggled after returning. But this is where it’s difficult to gauge where the injury causes the decline, or if it’s the player’s age.

The Cardinals Chris Carpenter was another that saw his career cut short by thoracic outlet syndrome, as well as other arm issues in his career. Carpenter may be the epitome of what can go wrong with the injury. He never regained his velocity, and his command was lost. It didn’t take long and Carpenter retired after the 2013 season.

Matt Harvey of the New York Mets underwent surgery in July for it, so the jury is out on him. Harvey has been the ace of the Mets staff, and they need him to bounce back from this for them to be successful. If not, he could be another victim of TOS.