Henry McAree Out With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Henry McAree, Miami’s 29th round selection in the 2017 draft, was recently diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic website:

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers.

It’s a tricky condition for an athlete, especially for a professional pitcher. The good news is that most people improve after physical therapy and pain relief measures. McAree will miss the remainder of this season.

McAree played his last two seasons of college ball with the Lewis-Clark Warriors, where he struck out 42 versus nine walks in 39 innings in 2016. He went 8-0 with a 3.00 ERA over 14 appearances, with a 1.024 WHIP.

After giving up just 10 hits and six walks over 23 innings with the Warriors this season, holding opponents to a .125 average, he was chosen with Miami’s 29th round selection in the entry draft, 869th overall.

It was a low risk, high reward kind of pick, and McAree’s first handful of professional appearances backed up Miami’s choice. In six innings between Miami’s GCL club and the Batavia Muckdogs, McAree had allowed three hits and a walk, while striking out eight and giving up no runs.

McAree is going to attempt a comeback after addressing the condition. He’s planning a return by spring training, although he hasn’t been extended a guaranteed slot by the Marlins as of this time. He’s currently back home rehabilitating with his trainer.