Former All-Star reliever Jonny Venters just can't escape major injury to his elbow. He hasn't appeared in the majors since 2012 and has had three Tommy John surgeries. Now in the Rays' organization, this has happened (again):
LHP Jonny Venters did tear his UCL, agent BB Abbott confirms. Still deciding whether to retire / keep trying. Has had 3 Tommy John surgeries
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 2, 2016
Venters is 31 years old and he'd need a fourth Tommy John surgery before attempting a comeback. As most know, recovery from a Tommy John surgery takes more than a calendar year.
The Southpaw Venters was once one of baseball's best relief pitchers. In 2010-11 with the Braves, he had a 1.89 ERA and 189 strikeouts in 171 innings combined. He finished eighth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2010 and was an All-Star in 2011. He took a step back in 2012 and has only made five minor-league appearances -- all this season with High-A Charlotte -- since.
This definitely feels like the end of the road for Venters, but you never know. What we do know is that baseball can be a cruel mistress to the elbow.
