Shoulder surgery might be best option for Rangers middle-infielder

Last season Texas Rangers middle-infielder Jurickson Profar was one of many players that landed on the disabled list.   Back during spring training Profar was working to earn a spot on the Opening day roster for the Rangers, something that he basically had locked up going into spring training.

But, he ended up with a torn muscle in his right shoulder which initially knocked him out for 10-12 weeks.  That put him on pace to return to the Rangers around the All-star break.  During that time Profar was very limited with his baseball activities to ensure his shoulder would be healthy enough for him to get back up to full speed.  The Rangers wanted to be very careful because playing second base required a lot of moving, throwing and odd motions of the arm that could lead to more injuries if it isn’t fully healed.

After about 2 month of resting his shoulder Profar was getting set to start swinging a bat and throwing to get ready to start his rehab assignments, but he ended up re-injuring his shoulder while rolling out of bed.  At this time the Rangers decided to slow down his rehab and be more cautious.

For the Rangers and Profar this was a huge setback for his return to the majors.  During spring training and throughout the season surgery remained an option to repair the damage, but it was declined and opted let it heal and strengthen it back up.  At this point surgery might have been the best option because in September he had another setback and missed the chance to play winter ball because they shut him down for 2-3 more months.

The time for him to start rehabbing is almost here and he’s again having his shoulder checked out.    One doctor still suggests that he should have surgery to help solve the problem quicker.  Besides surgery his other option is to lift weights and do flexibility training to straighten the shoulder.

Luckily for the Rangers they have several other options for the middle-infield.  It seems very likely that Rougned Odor will be on the Opening day roster at second base and if needed Luis Sardinas is also an option if something happens to Odor.  

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Hopefully for Profar’s sake he’s making the right decision by passing on surgery again.  He was one of the Rangers top prospects and during his first season with the Rangers in 2013 he did play some pretty good defense at times.  His offense was lacking a bit, but he was only 20 years old when he was called up to the majors.   Once he does come back he will get back up to speed after missing at least a year in the game.  But, if anyone can due it is Jurickson Profar.