OAKLAND -- A's right-hander Andrew Triggs, who has been absent from the rotation after being injured for much of the season, will undergo thoracic outlet surgery next week.
Though the procedure offers clarity for Triggs, who couldn't get rid of nerve irritation in his pitching arm, the outcome isn't necessarily favorable. Thoracic outlet syndrome has ended some careers.
However, it's also saved some, and Triggs is no stranger to a comeback trail. His career has been emaciated by injuries, which have limited the 29-year-old to 45 appearances (27 starts) in the Majors over three seasons, all with Oakland.
The A's hoped Triggs would build off of a promising 2017, in which he had a 4.27 ERA in 12 starts before undergoing season-ending hip surgery. But he struggled, posting a 5.23 ERA in nine starts as a member of the Opening Day rotation, his last coming May 17.
"Unfortunately, another surgery for him, and the last couple years have been tough for him, but that's what happens sometimes," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He knows how to go about the rehab process and hopefully comes back strong."
Triggs' surgery is set for Sept. 26 with Dr. Gregory Pearl from the Texas Vascular Associates in Dallas. A's pitcher Frankie Montas is among those who have made a successful return from the surgery, a list that also includes Matt Harvey and Tyson Ross.
Worth noting
• Right-hander Trevor Cahill (upper back) threw from a distance of 120 feet on Tuesday, but he has yet to throw off a mound, which could decrease his chances of returning on the team's homestand.
"Whether it's later on in this homestand or later on on the road," Melvin said, "we'll hold out hope for that."