John Means Injury Update and Latest News
by Abinaya
Updated Jun 13, 2023
Who is John Means?
Well, let me introduce you to an intriguing figure in the world of baseball. John Alan Means, born on April 24, 1993, is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB). Means burst onto the MLB scene in 2018 when he made his debut, catching the attention of fans and critics alike.
But it was in 2019 that he truly made his mark, earning the prestigious honor of being selected as an All-Star. This recognition solidified his status as a player to watch and sparked curiosity about his future in the sport. However, it was on that memorable day, May 5, 2021, that means truly etched his name in baseball history.
In a breathtaking display of skill and precision, he accomplished something extraordinary. Means pitched the tenth no-hitter in the long and storied history of the Baltimore Orioles franchise. But what sets Means' no-hitter apart is the astonishing twist that accompanied his almost-perfect performance. In a truly curious turn of events, Means came remarkably close to achieving a perfect game, where no opposing player reaches base.
However, fate had a unique surprise in store. The only obstacle to perfection came in the form of a wild pitch strike three, allowing a baserunner to reach base. This unprecedented feat makes Means the sole pitcher in the annals of major league history to come agonizingly close to a perfect game, only to have it interrupted by a wild pitch. Such a rare occurrence has left fans and baseball enthusiasts alike intrigued and captivated by this unusual accomplishment.
John Means Injury Update
John Means, the talented pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, has recently faced a setback due to an injury. Last April, Means underwent a significant procedure known as Tommy John surgery, which resulted in him missing a substantial portion of the 2022 season. The surgery was necessary to address a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of his left elbow.
Tommy John surgery is a well-known procedure in the world of baseball, named after the former pitcher Tommy John, who was the first to undergo this operation in 1974. It involves the reconstruction of the UCL using a graft from another part of the body, typically a tendon, in order to restore stability and function to the injured elbow.
Recovering from Tommy John's surgery requires a significant amount of time and rehabilitation. It is a process that demands patience, dedication, and careful monitoring by medical professionals. While the surgery is successful in the majority of cases, the road to full recovery can be lengthy. Fortunately, John Means provided a positive update to reporters recently, expressing that he is feeling good.
However, it is expected that he will likely miss a considerable portion of the 2023 season as he continues his recovery and gradually works his way back to full strength. Injuries are an unfortunate part of professional sports, and Tommy John surgery, although a common procedure, can have a profound impact on a player's career.
The Orioles and fans alike eagerly await Means' return to the field, recognizing his valuable contributions as a pitcher and his potential for future success. As Means focuses on his rehabilitation and the meticulous process of regaining his pitching form, his determination and resilience will play a crucial role in his comeback.
The team's medical staff will work closely with him to ensure a safe and successful recovery, while also closely monitoring his progress and adjusting his rehabilitation plan as needed. In the meantime, fans will patiently wait for John Means' return to the mound, eagerly anticipating his impressive skills and the impact he can make on the Orioles' pitching staff. His injury update serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face and the perseverance required to overcome setbacks. The baseball community stands behind Means, wishing him a smooth recovery and a triumphant return to the game he loves.
John Means Injury
Baltimore Orioles pitcher John Means has faced a significant setback due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow. The injury occurred in April 2022, leading Means to undergo Tommy John surgery on April 27 of the same year. As a result, he has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2022 season and is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2023 season as well.
At the age of 30, Means had an impressive breakout season in 2021. He recorded a 12-6 win-loss record with a 3.69 ERA in 34 starts, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing fifth in the American League Cy Young Award voting. The injury is undoubtedly a major setback for both Means and the Orioles. Means was poised to be one of the team's top pitchers, contributing significantly to their performance in 2022 and beyond.
However, his absence will pose challenges for the Orioles, especially considering their ongoing rebuilding process. In terms of recovery, Means has been diligently rehabilitating from his surgery and has made notable progress. He has been engaging in bullpen sessions and is expected to embark on a minor-league rehab assignment in the near future.
While the Orioles have not specified a precise timeline for his return, there is hope that Means will make his way back to the major leagues during the latter half of the 2023 season. Means' injury serves as a reminder of the risks associated with Tommy John surgery. Although the procedure has proven successful in numerous cases, the recovery process can take up to a year for pitchers to regain their full strength and capabilities. As Means proceeds with his rehabilitation, he will need to exercise patience and dedication to return to his previous level of performance.
John Means Stats
2022
Orioles
2
0
3
0
0
0
1.25
3.38
2021
Orioles
26
1
59
6
9
0
1.03
3.62
2020
Orioles
10
0
22
2
4
0
0.98
4.53
2019
Orioles
31
0
62
12
11
0
1.14
3.60
2018
Orioles
1
0
5
0
0
0
1.80
13.50
Career
70
1
151
20
24
0
1.08
3.81
Year
Team
GP
CG
ER
W
L
Sv
WHIP
ERA
John Means Injury Update - FAQ
John Means is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB).
According to Mike Elias, the executive vice president and general manager, John Means, a pitcher for the Orioles, experienced a setback that will result in a delay in his return following elbow surgery.
John Alan Means, born on April 24, 1993, is a professional baseball pitcher from the United States. He currently plays for the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB).
John Means achieved the tenth no-hitter in Orioles franchise history on May 5, 2021, making him the only pitcher in major league history to pitch a near-perfect game spoiled by a baserunner reaching on a wild pitch strike three.
Even though John Means encountered an upper back injury during his rehabilitation process following Tommy John's surgery, he remains determined to pitch for the Orioles in 2023. Having undergone the surgery in April 2022, he initially aimed for a return in July but now faces a minor setback.