So figure I'd just add to this thread....
Kid #2 (soph RHP) Is having TJ surgery next week (if they can schedule it). Had forearm pain in the fall. Took him to the ortho he's been to for years and where his older brother had TJ (internal brace) back when I started this in August. At that time, based on two MRIs (regular and contrast based) they said it was a sprain. Of course all sprains are tears, but surgery wasn't recommended.
He rehabbed over the fall and was having a good season. Went from first out of the pen to Friday starter. Coaches were responsible with pitch counts and he was having success.
After his start two weeks ago which was his worst outing (velo didn't drop though) he had pain after a few days when he normally only has soreness for a day a two.
After working with the trainer and skipping a start it wasn't getting better. We made an appointment to see Dr. Ahmad. Ahmad wasn't around for about a week, so we had the school get him an X-Ray and then get him an MRI.
Side note....If you have good insurance try to do all this yourself, You'll get things done faster and most schools are listed as secondary insurance anyway.
He saw Ahmad today. Ahmad saw a small tear and his UCL is "spongy" meaning there are likely smaller tears. Based on the imaging and the tests Ahmad did, the plan is for TJ surgery with an internal brace. I was confused by this because I thought it was one or the other. Apparently Ahmad is the only one doing this now. They take the tendon from his wrist, and wrap it in the collagen they use for the internal brace. He's estimating 8-10 month before return to play. So hoping by conference play next season and my son went back to school and started inquiring with the athletic department about a waiver for this season so it counts as a red shirt year.
Can't really think of one thing this year that caused this. According to Synergy his average velo is up ~4mph this season, but he's not upper 90s. Seems like this has been brewing for a while.
I guess so much for a "heir and a spare" ;-)