Yankees' Joba Chamberlain Undergoes Surgery; No Timetable For Return
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain could be be released from the hospital today after undergoing surgery on Thursday for a dislocated right ankle.
The 26-year-old right-hander told Yankees general manager Brian Cashman that doctors said he could step on a mound by July, WFAN's Sweeny Murti reported on Saturday.
The bone broke through the skin during the dislocation, and Chamberlain is awaiting results of an MRI exam.
Mike Francesa received more details during Friday's show. He read a Daily News report to his audience on-air, "The ankle injury was so severe, the bone came through the skin. He lost so much blood, there was initially concern for his life."
"The bone was sticking out of his ankle and he was bleeding so profusely that the paramedics were worrying that he was losing too much blood, too quickly before they could get him to the hospital. It seems like they have the blood situation stabilized. Now we know Joba has a very long recovery," Francesa said.
"We send our best," Francesa concluded.
Chamberlain suffered the injury in a trampoline-related accident with his son in the Tampa-area. The injury is said to be significant, according to Cashman.
"He's facing a lot right now," Cashman said. "I can't tell you, really, anything more than something unfortunate happened."
Listen: Joe and Evan speak with Sweeny Murti to discuss Joba's injury and his future.
The injury is a major setback for the Nebraska native, who was progressing extremely well following Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow.
After signing a one-year, $1,675,000 contract with the Yankees in January, the ex-starter was expected to return in June. His season is now in serious doubt, meaning that he may have pitched his last game with the Bombers.
When asked if the injury could threaten the reliever's career, Cashman said: "I'm not in position to say. Right now it's too early for that. He's in very good hands. He's a healer. He's a tough guy."
Chamberlain went 2-0 with a 2.83 ERA in 27 relief appearances last season before elbow surgery on June 16. He had been expected to rejoin the Yankees this season, possibly before the All-Star break.
"From the baseball stuff, he was doing great," Cashman said. "I feel bad because I know how much he loves his game, and how much he was looking forward to coming back ahead of schedule. It's clearly derailed that, but what more does that mean, I don't know. A lot of things must be running through his mind."
Cashman said Chamberlain's son, Karter was not hurt.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi visited Chamberlain on Friday. Cashman, who was informed about the injury Thursday night while the Yankees were playing a night game in Fort Myers against Boston, was planning to stop at the hospital later Friday.
Will Joba ever live up to his once sky-high expectations? Share your thoughts below...
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