Nathan Eovaldi Undergoes Successful Surgery, Should Return 'Within Six Weeks'
BOSTON (CBS) -- Nathan Eovaldi underwent successful surgery on Tuesday, but the righty won't be taking the mound for the Boston Red Sox anytime soon.
Eovaldi underwent a successful right elbow arthroscopy and loose body removal at New York-Presbyterian Hospital on Tuesday, and the team said he's expected to make a full return to pitching within six weeks.
"The expectation is he'll recover. He went through this last year," Boston manager Alex Cora told reporters at Fenway Park on Tuesday morning. "I don't want to give a timetable, but everyone knows about what it's going to take. He should be back and ready to roll."
The team placed the 29-year-old on the 10-day injured list over the weekend after he had issues straightening his elbow during an off day in St. Petersburg. Eovaldi suffered a similar injury while with the Rays last year that ended up costing him two months of the season. Add in the fact that he has undergone Tommy John surgery twice, and there is plenty reason for concern about his health going forward.
Eovaldi was a postseason hero for the World Series champs last year, allowing just four earned runs over his 22.1 innings as both a starter and rover out of the bullpen. He signed a four-year, $68 million deal with Boston over the offseason, but struggled out of the gate, allowing 14 runs in his 21 innings over his first four starts.