WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Tanner Rainey knows the date. It was Aug. 3 when he underwent Tommy John surgery, saw his 2022 season come to an early conclusion and realized his 2023 season would be significantly delayed.
As much as he’s tried not to look at specific dates throughout the long rehab program, the Nationals reliever knows the two most significant mileposts. At the six-month mark, he was allowed to begin throwing again. At the 12-month mark, he hopes to be allowed to begin pitching in a big league game again.
“It’s been tough, I will say,” Rainey remarked of the mental challenge of returning from elbow ligament replacement surgery. “But at the same time, I know I have six more months now. I’m six months through. I’ve got six more months to continue to prepare, whether it’s physically or mentally, to be better than I was.”
Rainey entered the 2022 season as the Nationals’ closer, and things went swimmingly for a while. He didn’t give up a run in his first eight appearances, going 3-for-3 in save situations. And as late as July 1, he sported a 2.88 ERA, 30 strikeouts in 25 innings and 11 saves in 14 opportunities.
But then his elbow ligament gave out shortly before the All-Star break. And after consultations with doctors, it was determined he needed Tommy John surgery.