MLB’s top surgeon, James Andrews, will not be performing Tommy John surgeries at his Florida office during the coronavirus pandemic.A spokesperson for the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Florida confirmed his decision in a statement.
“We are not performing any non-urgent or non-emergent procedures, including Tommy John surgery, in compliance with the governor’s executive order,” the spokesperson said. “We are adhering to these restrictions and all such cases are suspended at this time.” On March 20, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order for all nonessential elective procedures in the state to be postponed amid the pandemic.
Despite the recommendation, the Red Sox announced Chris Sale had Tommy John surgery on Monday in Los Angeles, and Mets ace Noah Syndergaard underwent the same operation last week in West Palm Beach, Fla. Critics have questioned whether MLB is crossing ethical boundaries by having players undergo procedures during the pandemic. However, teams argue that Tommy John surgery is essential for pitchers’ jobs.
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