FORT MYERS, FLA. – Trevor May said he's pitched professionally for 10 years, and has never had problems with his golden right arm.
"I have literally not missed a day of baseball activity because my arm hurt," May said.
When he felt something tug in his elbow Wednesday while throwing a pitch to Team USA's Andrew McCutchen, May thought nothing of it and kept pitching. It wasn't until Friday when May looked at test results and saw that his run of durability had abruptly ended.
May has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. While a treatment plan has not been determined yet, May's 2017 season is over just as he was getting used to starting again.
"I'm just trying to look forward, taking it one minute at a time right now," May said. "It was a big blow, especially with how last year went, getting back to where I was, I was excited. Unfortunately I am not going to be able to do that this year."
The diagnosis was made by Twins team physician Dr. Pearce McCarty, one of the several team doctors who rotate through Fort Myers during camp. Dr. John Steubs, the Twins director of medical services, was consulted. The Twins were encouraged that the rest of area revealed little wear and tear, suggesting the injury was acute.
"Most likely, this week, he will have a second opinion," said Twins General Manager Thad Levine, "After which point Trevor will have a chance to regroup with his family, his agent and determine the exact course of action he wants to pursue."
Tommy John surgery normally is the treatment for a torn UCL and takes 12-18 months to return from. But there are new procedures that could the shorten the timeframe.