kumm0012

Wow, I don't pay enough attention to be able to list off names, but from a quick Google search it looks like Adam Wainwright avoided surgery for 7 years after diagnosis. Ligaments are vascular structures, which means they have the ability to heal. Large tears probably have little ability to do so, whereas smaller tears have a greater likelihood of responding to rest. The bottom line is - they tried something, it didn't work. It sucks for the kid, but we'll all be OK.

Except that it does work sometimes. No surgery is without risks - if it was felt that there was a reasonable chance things get better with rest, then it's worth a shot. Twins aren't the only team that employs this approach. Feel bad for the kid - I'm sure he'd rather be pitching. The rest of us - we get to go on with our lives, if we have them.