NorCalBBDad posted:... here is the diagnosis: "Stress reaction to bones connecting Ulnar Collateral Ligament with chronic UCL thickening."
Prescription: "Rest two more weeks followed by video throwing analysis/physical therapy, return to throw over next 4-6 weeks anticipated."
....
It was my hope to portray this as a "tweak" if anyone asked, that he has rested it and he should be good. Be smart during the tryout... stretch out and warm up properly, and gas it only when needed and see if he can make the team by hook or by crook. Then, if he makes the team, come in with the doctor's note (properly dated, of course) showing that he needs the rest and rehab. Good to go in six weeks, hopefully. ...
He draws much of his personal identity and self esteem from that. Not making the team will be devastating to him - there will be many pieces to be picked up. I've always told him that we're playing a long game here. He's 6'2", 140. He's still growing. He needs to bulk up and get stronger, and he will. The fastball MPH will come with that. He's not going to get noticed as a junior anyhow, at least not during the season. ...
So he's going to go for it. It didn't seem like the arm was in any immediate danger and he's said he's going to be smart about the tryout. ...
...Last season on JV he threw five innings over three months. His arm strength deteriorated so much in season that it took almost two months to get it back up to speed in summer ball. If he makes Varsity I expect things will play out much the same. If I thought he was in immediate trouble I'd shut him down for sure.
So ... what would you do? How honest should we be with the coach? I don't think he'd be willing to take him "on spec" or based on the JV coach's recommendation, or that he'd be willing to push my son's tryout six weeks down the road. ...
Obviously, there is an issue (and there has been for a while if his arm strength deteriorated that much during last HS season) and, if I'm reading correctly, you are planning on going against doc's recommendations. I don't think that is smart at all. Sounds like the kid's baseball future is clearly on the bump and you are risking worsening an injured arm.
Look, your kid is established as, at least, an important piece of the JV rotation if healthy. He doesn't stand to be an impact guy at V, particularly not with an ailing arm. Prioritize following doc's orders to a T and get the arm fully healthy. Ramping the arm back up after proper rest and PT will take some time. He won't be able to immediately jump back on the bump. That's reality.
The good news - regarding his potential college playing future, he has several things on his side. He is not throwing hard enough to warrant D1 interest at this point so his recruiting sweetspot won't be until this coming summer and later. He has very projectable size. He is attending a training center where he is likely getting continued guidance for pitching refinement, strengthening and velo improvement. So, rushing back can only hurt. Let the HS program coaches (and facility instructors) know exactly where he is at. GET HEALTHY FIRST. Then, work back gradually per expert's directives. Then, see how he performs, how he improves and take it from there. I know this is hard to deal with in the present but don't cave to what feels like immediate pressure of the HS season starting. Come down from the ledge.
If he draws too much of his personal identity as a baseball player, there needs to be more balance. What else makes your son your son? Baseball ends at some point for all... it is important that there is much more to the player, the person.