Royals’ Foster Griffin vows to return from surgery in social media post
Injured Kansas City Royals left-handed pitcher Foster Griffin vowed, in a social media post Saturday night, to return after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
Griffin, 25, made his MLB debut, earned his first win and left with an injury all one night — his 25th birthday. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound former first-round draft pick pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 27 before leaving the game with a forearm strain.
Griffin posted a note from his verified Twitter account along with the message, “I’ll be back @Royals.”
“After exiting with an injury on July 27th, I received an MRI on my left elbow that showed a tear in my UCL,” Griffin wrote in his note. “After discussing the options with the Royals training staff, we decided that Tommy John surgery was the best route for me and the future longevity of my career.
“Last Tuesday I had successful TJ surgery in LA performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.”
Griffin got emotional while speaking with reporters via video conference after the game in Detroit.
He went on the 10-day injured list the day after his injury. The Royals transferred Griffin to the 45-day IL on July 31 — MLB changed it from 60 days to 45 for the pandemic-shortened season.
Dr. ElAttrache performed surgery on Royals star catcher Salvador Perez in March 2019.
In his note, Griffin also referenced the 12-14 month rehab period and thanked friends, family and “people of KC” for their thoughts and prayers.
The 28th overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft, Griffin pitched in 141 minor-league games (139 starts) before he made the opening day major-league roster this year.
Prior to his MLB debut, he spoke about his early years in the minors and doubting he’d ever reach the majors.
In 2017, he earned mid-season All-Star honors in the Carolina League (High-A) as well as a selection to the MLB All-Star Futures Game. In 2018, he earned mid-season All-Star honors in the Texas League (Double-A). Last year, he garnered postseason Pacific Coast League All-Star honors (Triple-A Omaha).
This story was originally published August 15, 2020 at 10:54 PM.
