Shoulder instability, Tommy John, SLAP tears, and rotator cuff tendinitis are some of the most common injuries a baseball pitcher suffers.
Thus, Tristan Beck's injury baffles many supporters and garners significant attention.
The San Francisco Giants' right-handed pitcher has been diagnosed with an aneurysm in the upper part of his pitching arm, something that rarely happens to many pitchers in the world.
The 27-year-old 2018 MLB draft pick complained about numbness in his hand during the spring, so the club asked him to return to the Bay Area.
Aneurysm is mainly associated with brain complications, with many cases leading to abrupt death.
"The Giants announced the diagnosis on Thursday and said that Beck will consult with a vascular specialist at Stanford Medical Center before arriving at a course of treatment," The Athletic reported.
"But given past instances of arm aneurysms in baseball players, Beck is almost certainly headed for surgery to repair blood vessels-an invasive procedure that is likely to sideline him for at least two months."
Read more: Shohei Ohtani Dodgers Debut a Success as He Teases Plan to Help Team Further Despite Limiting Injury
Beck made his rookie year in the majors last year after spending the first five years of his pro career in the minors.
He made 33 appearances last year and went 3-3 with a 3.92 ERA in the three instances he started.
The Associated Press wrote that Beck could miss significant time, with the opening day already off the table.
Tristan Beck's injury is rare but not unprecedented
Fans have every reason to worry about Beck since the injury is not common.
However, it is not unprecedented as MLB wins leader David Cone also underwent such an ordeal during the 1996 season.
The San Francisco Chronicle immediately sought the opinion of the five-time World Series winner and Giants franchise, and based on his story, the Giants should feel a little less worried.
Cone, who played his best years with the New York Yankees, shared that the aneurysm on the arm he suffered barely dented his talent when he returned to the game after surgery. He even leveled up post-surgery.
"I've never had any other problems with it," he told SF Chronicle over the phone.
"I think I was actually better than before, especially emotionally, because I wasn't sure what was going on or if the graft would hold or not. But it did. The graft sort of thickens and meshes and becomes part of the artery."
However, he had to miss four weeks to recover fully.
The Giants did not provide details on what they will do next, but surgery is the only option based on Cone's experience.
Experts say that although aneurysms are not common in pitchers, it is not illogical for them to contract such complications, as their position requires repetitive stress on their throwing shoulder, leading to irritated arteries.
Cone was able to come back stronger than ever after his surgery on the upper arm aneurysm. He advised Beck, "It's just a question of building back up arm strength."
Pitching problem for the Giants
Cone provided some relief for Beck. However, the Giants will have to deal with the present.
They are still looking for their no. 1 pitcher, and this setback will force them to make more adjustments.
Right now, they are still linked with NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison are expected to occupy the Nos. 2 and 3 spots, respectively.
Related article: MLB TV, Free Livestreaming, and Other Ways to Watch the New 2024 Season, Out-of-Market Games
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
