Something was just not right with Phillies prospect Jesse Biddle. After a strong start in the Phillies system, Biddle suffered a concussion in a freak hail storm and then battled other injury issues, and never seemed to find his groove once again. As it turns out, Biddle had a major issue that will require major surgery.
Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reports that Biddle is headed for "Tommy John" surgery.
Phillies announce lefty Jesse Biddle to have Tommy John surgery on Oct 14. Requires year of rehab at least.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) October 4, 2015
Biddle was 9-6 with a 4.95 ERA between AA Reading and AAA Lehigh Valley in 2015.
"Tommy John" surgery, named for former Yankees pitcher Tommy John, involves the ulnar collateral ligament, a different part of the elbow than the flexor tendon. Someone who undergoes "Tommy John" surgery has a tendon transplanted into the elbow from a different part of the body, most usually the leg. The surgery often requires over a year's worth of recovery, so Phillies fans can essentially forget about Biddle pitching in 2016.
The "Tommy John" surgery is something that Phillies players have largely avoided. Mario Hollands was the first to have the surgery as a member of the Phillies' Major League roster this Spring. Former Phillies closer Ryan Madson had the surgery, but only after he signed with the Cincinnati Reds. Pitcher Jamie Moyer had the surgery in December, 2010 after his Phillies contract expired and made a brief comeback attempt with the Colorado Rockies in 2012. A.J. Burnett had the surgery prior to his time with the Phillies.
