Lance McCuller’s Jr., suffers muscle strain to the elbow at training camp, and will not be ready for home opener. Though Lance expressed his disappointment, the good news is that he had an MRI of his elbow, showing that his ulnar collateral ligament was intact. Dr. Khorsandi, at Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas states that while an MRI confirming the ligament is intact is good news, an MRI is a static test, and does not give the full scope of the extent of the muscle strain as to how it relates to his ability to throw a ball. Lance had previously suffered a UCL tear (ulnar collateral ligament), and in late 2018 had Tommy John Surgery to repair it. UCL repairs were named after Tommy John, who famously had undergone the procedure. The Ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow is an important stabilizing ligament for the elbow joint. Injury to it can be devastating to a pitcher for many reasons. It can have a major influence on the spin of the ball, and speed. Lance stated he will do rehab to the elbow and take it slow. All things considered, it sounds like he will be back at some point in the regular season. Let’s hope, sooner than later, so the Astros can successfully defend their World Series Title.
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