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Yocum never threw a pitch, waved a runner home or swung a trade for the Nationals. But the renowned orthopedic surgeon's influence on the organization is everywhere you look. The impact, really, is as indelible as the scars on the right elbows of Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann.
Renowned orthopedic surgeon Lewis Yocum, who extended the careers of many big leaguers by repairing injuries that once would've ended their playing days, has died. He was 65.
Yocum, who died over the weekend at age 65, saved the careers of countless professional athletes — including many pitchers who underwent Tommy John surgery and rehab under his care.
Yocum, Frank Jobe and James Andrews became the key surgeons for big leaguers. Washington pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann were among the players treated by Yocum.
For Roy Halladay, arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome throwing shoulder became the best-case scenario when he had prepared himself for the worst _ a career-ending injury that would force his retirement when he's far from ready.
The 35-year-old right-hander is 2-4 with an 8.65 ERA in seven starts this season after missing nearly two months last year because of a strained back muscle.
Roy Halladay has discomfort in his right shoulder and the struggling Philadelphia Phillies pitcher is headed to Los Angeles for tests.
Lucas Giolito, the Washington Nationals' top pick in this year's draft, will have Tommy John surgery Aug. 31, a team source told The Washington Times on Thursday.
VIERA, Fla. — More than two months after they felt they'd dodged a bullet, the Washington Nationals and left-handed prospect Sammy Solis got exactly the news they were hoping to avoid. Solis will undergo Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on March 6, general manager Mike Rizzo said Tuesday.
Washington Nationals pitching prospect Sammy Solis has visited with renowned orthopedic surgeon Lewis Yocum and team doctor Wiemi Douoguih in recent weeks after experiencing elbow discomfort in the Arizona Fall League.
Padres left-hander Clayton Richard will miss the rest of the season after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery on Friday.
Left-hander John Lamb, one of the Kansas City Royals' top prospects, will undergo Tommy John surgery on his left elbow.
Angels first baseman Kendrys Morales won't play this season after deciding to undergo another surgery on his left ankle, leaving a huge hole in the middle of Los Angeles' lineup for the second straight season.
The Seattle Mariners say reliever David Aardsma has a sprained ligament in his pitching elbow.
Adam Wainwright's season is over before it started.
"Obviously, it wasn't," he said.
"You don't know how many times I've heard that, son," Yocum replied dryly, not once breaking character.
