Padres: Cosart Surgery a Success, Team Optimistic for 2017

The Padres’ right-handed pitcher had successful surgery to repair a bone spur in his right elbow on Friday, and it looks like he will be fully recovered before Spring Training.

Fans of the San Diego Padres woke up to some good news on the injury front Saturday morning, as Jarred Cosart‘s elbow surgery was a success. As expected, it appears that the 26-year-old will not miss any time in 2017.

Despite the good news, it will still be a lengthy road to recovery for Cosart. The 38th round draft pick of the Philadelphia Phillies will need at least six weeks to return to full baseball activity, doctors say.

Last July, Cosart was traded to the Padres in a trade with the Miami Marlins. San Diego gave up Andrew Cashner, who went on to struggle mightily in the later portion of 2016. Cosart though, provided the team with some quality starts despite his 0-3 record.

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As 2017 Spring Training approaches, the Padres have their work cut out for them when it comes to the starting rotation. But Cosart’s return will be a bonus, as he will compete for a spot in the rotation. The potential is there, as the native of Texas has more experience than most other pitchers, starting 66 career games. He also has a 3.92 career ERA, making him one of the more underrated San Diego arms.

Regardless of whether he wins a rotation spot though, Cosart will have a role. He also provides depth, a key factor for any starting rotation in baseball. As the Padres have found out in recent years, a team can’t go an entire season with just five starters.

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The Padres’ pitching staff is still dealing with numerous injuries, as Tyson Ross continues to struggle, and Erik Johnson will miss all of 2017 after having Tommy John surgery. This increases the chances of fans seeing Cosart on the mound a lot in 2017. Most of all though, it underscores the need for a healthy Cosart. With this most recent move, the organization can breathe easy, at least for the time being.