Rockies reliever Scott Oberg underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery to help alleviate blood clots earlier this week, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports. The Rockies aren’t yet sure whether Oberg will pitch again.
Thoracic outlet surgery could be a devastating blow to any pitcher’s career, but it’s especially worrying that blood clots continue to serve as a major hindrance to Oberg. The 30-year-old, who hasn’t pitched at all this season, previously underwent three surgeries to address blood clots.
Oberg, of course, was downright excellent out of the Rockies’ bullpen from 2018-19. After combining for 114 2/3 innings of 2.35 ERA ball with 9.03 K/9 and 2.75 BB/9 during that span, Oberg inked a three-year, $13MM extension with Colorado last offseason. Oberg hasn’t taken the mound since then, though, and the hope now is that he’ll return to the mound as soon as possible. However, Oberg’s certainly facing even more of an uphill battle in the wake of such a serious procedure.
Ugh that sucks. At least he got paid before this happened so he’ll have that to fall back on if he can’t return to the mound.
He has that $13M deal, which is guaranteed.
Thank you Captain Obvious
this guy cant catch a break
That’s really a shame. Oberg seemed to be one of the rare pitchers that did not let the “Coors Field aura” ruin their confidence, I know Coors Field is a tough place to pitch, but I truly believe the fear of pitching at Coors Field is much worse than actually pitching there. Confidence is arguably the biggest part of pitching once you prove you are good enough for the majors. Once you lose it, there is no going back. Just look at Wade Davis, one of the greatest relievers of this generation looked like a beer league softball pitcher after his confidence was gone.
Hopefully Oberg will be able to come back from this, but it’s not looking promising.
Oberg was born in the darkness, he was molded by it. The others, they merely adopted it.
that surgery is a death wish for pitchers
this is the death wish for pitchers; I don’t know why at this point pitchers don’t exhaust every other option including taking time off; other medical options.
Just look at Matt Harvey; he is done.
Your body was not designed to have structural parts removed.
Wish him luck.
Can’t help but wonder if the elevation is causing issues with the continued blood clots
If he cannot come back, he could serve as a coach and teach pitchers how not to be intimidated at Coors Field..
Man that sucks… just when he was really establishing himself as a legit top of the line reliever — his past 2 seasons in COL were VERY impressive. And then the scares with blood clots and not this… just sucks for the guy I feel bad for him. At least (as other commentors pointed out — he did get to sign a nice $13M contract prior to the injury — so at least if his health prevents him from ever coming back… he at least has a nice financial cushion to fall back on) — having said that I’m sure he’d much rather be healthy enough to play than to just be “thankful” he got paid! Best of luck to him in his procedure and recovery.