Matt Harrison injury update

Texas Rangers left-handed pitcher Matt Harrison has been cleared to start his throwing program in about two weeks.  This comes after having spinal fusion surgery on June 3.  This is the second back surgery he’s had since the 2012 season. Prior to his injury in 2013, he had an amazing season in 2012 when he had a record of 18-11 with a 3.29 ERA.  Since then he’s only pitched in 6 games with a record of 1-3 and a 5.79 ERA.

Harrison did his best to work his way back to the Texas Rangers last season and it looked for a bit that he was going to have a good season, but back issues happened again and just like many other Rangers he was placed on the disabled list and missed much of the season.

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He’s still signed through the 2017 season with an option for 2018.    Harrison’s due to make an estimated $13.2 million over the next 3 seasons with a $2 million buyout for the 2018 season.  Hopefully Harrison will be able to pitch again, but it doesn’t look good.  If he does pitch this season he’ll start in the minors to rehab and won’t likely make it to a major league roster until the All-star break.

What happens if he doesn’t pitch this season?  Dallas Morning News Gerry Freley was asked about it and here’s what he said.

"Question: What happened to the Matt Harrison insurance money this year? Also, what would you put the odds of Matt ever making it back to pitch? (Really nice guy…pulling for him big time here.)Fraley: Believe the Rangers get about 60 percent on the dollar for time on the DL. Matt earned about $7.4 million while on the DL last year, so the club would get back about $4.,4 million. Agree with your view of Matt as a person and a competitor, but the odds are stacked against him. He is giving it his best shot. If he cannot pitch, Matt will stay on the DL so the Rangers can get a return rather than retire. (Dallas News)"

So at least the Rangers won’t be eating the entire amount of his contract if he doesn’t play again.  I’m sure both sides hopes he’s able to rehab and pitch again.  To me it seems doubtful he’ll be a starting pitcher again.  Maybe he can be long reliever or something in the bullpen to limit his pitch count and keep his back healthy.

He’s been a great pitcher in the past and was a huge part of the Texas Rangers World Series runs, I wish and pray the best for him.