The Miami Marlins already lost ace Jose Fernandez to season-ending Tommy John surgery, and it appeared as if they were going to lose another arm after reliever Carter Capps went down with elbow pain in May. But for Capps, a second opinion from Dr.James Andrews revealed that extended rehab would take care any issues, and surgery would not be necessary.
Capps last pitched against the Brewers on May 25, and has posted a 3.00 ERA and 2.40 FIP in twelve innings. Capps struck out 15 in those 12 innings.
Before Wednesday afternoon's game, Capps was transferred to the 60-day disabled list but is eligible to return as early as July 25.
"Capps went up there and got checked out by Dr. Andrews and he confirmed the prognosis of rest," Redmond said before Wednesday's game. "So he's gonna rest for the next month, and then we'll start playing catch again and start building back up, and see where we're at.
"There was no surgery or recommendation or anything like that. Dr. Andrews confirmed what our doctors had said about resting for another month and then picking up a ball and start the process of playing catch again and see where he's at -- which is good news, of course."
Capps is just 24, and after being acquired from the Mariners, the fact that his injury doesn't require surgery should leave the Marlins optimistic. Capps going down had a lot to do with the Marlins trading for Bryan Morris and signing Kevin Gregg earlier in the week.
Ideally, Capps would be back in the bullpen at the end of July. With the Marlins currently remaining competitive in the National League East, bullpen depth cannot hurt.
When the Marlins traded for Capps, the bullpen wasn't considered a major area of need. Capps, with his power fastball and consistent slider, was thought to be a reliable eighth inning option to bridge the gap to closer Steve Cishek.
Getting the ball to Cishek late in games has been a challenge for the Marlins, although it wasn't an issue in the four game series against the Rays.
With the right elbow sprain, extended rehab should do for Capps. And for the Marlins, what appeared to be another Tommy John surgery has been optimistically avoided.