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Patterson won't rush his return

Nationals notebook: Patterson won't rush back

Date published: 7/22/2006

By TODD JACOBSON

WASHINGTON--Surgery came as a relief to Nationals' starting pitcher John Patterson, and he walked into Washington's clubhouse yesterday--his right arm still in a sling--with the ease of finally knowing what ailed him.

But after having successful surgery Thursday to fix several impingements in his right forearm, Patterson cautioned that he wouldn't rush back.

"I am going to come back when I am healthy and I am ready," Patterson said. "I am not going to rush it. If I pitch this year, then good. If I don't, it's OK. My goal right now is to be healthy and ready for next year."

After Patterson had surgery Thursday to release several impingements on the median nerve in his right arm and to release a piece of tissue connecting the biceps tendon, there was hope that Patterson could return in four to six weeks--and not miss the entire season as expected.

However, Patterson said yesterday that he won't begin throwing for nearly a month and that he would need at least six more weeks to rehabilitate his arm. If he returns at all, it could be for the last week or two of the season.

Patterson originally felt pain in his right forearm at the end of spring training. He made four starts, then spent two months on the disabled list before returning for four more starts that ended with a one-inning outing against the San Diego Padres July 9.

In what could have been a breakout year for the 28-year-old, Patterson compiled a 1-2 record with a 4.43 ERA while wondering all along what was truly wrong with his arm.

"I feel like a lot of stress has been lifted off me," Patterson said. "To finally figure out what the problem was and to get it fixed, it takes a lot of stress off me. I was pulling my hair out for a long time."

Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said he was OK with being cautious with Patterson while holding out hope Patterson could return this year.

"I think there is a possibility," Bowden said. "What's important from his diagnosis is that there was nothing serious. The ligament was intact and for his long-term benefit and the long-term benefit of the club he's going to be fine."

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Date published: 7/22/2006