No surprises during Waino's Achilles surgery
Cardinals hope ace is fully healed by start of Spring Training next year
ST. LOUIS -- Adam Wainwright underwent successful surgery to repair his torn left Achilles on Thursday, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak announced before the team's series finale against the Phillies. The procedure was performed by Dr. George Paletta, former head team physician, and attended by head athletic trainer Greg Hauk.
"[There were] no surprises, which was probably the best news, and they didn't have to use any extra material to reattach the tendon," Mozeliak said. "If the tear is not perfectly straight, there are times where a surgeon may have to use something else to reattach the tendon. But this was not the case."
Wainwright will be immobile for some time before wearing a cast and then a boot. Mozeliak estimated that Wainwright will be resting for about 6-8 weeks, though the overall recovery time is expected to be about 9-12 months. The Cardinals are hopeful, Mozeliak said, that the veteran right-hander will be fully healed by the start of Spring Training next February.
Though this is the first Achilles injury to any Cardinals player under Mozeliak's watch as GM, the common nature of the injury leaves the Cardinals confident of a full recovery.
"The key thing is allowing the wound to heal, and that's the most important part," Mozeliak said. "I think the message right now is to just be patient. From my standpoint, he's going to be in good hands. He's going to have access to our medical staff day in and day out, and our hope is for the best."
Wainwright suffered the injury last Saturday while breaking out of the batter's box after hitting a popup to the first baseman. It was announced on Monday that he will miss the rest of the 2015 season.