Cuban elite pitcher returns after Tommy John surgery

MATANZAS, Cuba, Sep 13 (acn) Cuban pitcher Joel Suarez gets his throwing arm ready for the second phase of the 56th National Baseball Series, after a period of inactivity due to surgery known as Tommy John he underwent on his right elbow.

Suarez, a native of Limonar municipality in the province of Matanzas, is training under supervision of the Matanzas Crocodiles coaches, who are making their best to get him physically fit, as expressed by the pitcher himself.
I have had no trouble so far and I look forward to support from the mound the Crocodiles during the decisive second round of this series, said Suarez who was operated in 2015 and already served his resting period.
Tommy John surgery involves reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament and affects many pitchers today, largely due to overwork in a season, or to years of work in the art of pitching.
The right-hander expects after joining the team he could perform in relief role first to then take the usual role of starting pitcher, a decision that rests with the coaching staff led by manager Victor Mesa.
Joel Suarez shares the record of wins in a season for Matanzas pitchers with Gaspar "El Curro" Perez (14), and also holds the best win and loss average in a series with 933 (14-1).