A’s Kotsay reveals Kaprielian had offseason shoulder surgery originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay revealed that starting pitcher James Kaprielian had offseason shoulder surgery.
During a presser at MLB Winter Meetings on Dec. 5, the A’s manager clarified that Kaprielian had right AC joint surgery and noted that the 28-year-old is “recovering really well.”
“I think it was something that the organization and him felt strongly about moving forward with,” Kotsay said. “He’s doing great. Rehab’s going great. He’s getting stronger by the day.
“I obviously can’t give you a timeline on that, but he’s doing well.”
Kotsay added that the surgery was done to help alleviate some issues Kaprielian has had in the past and doesn’t think it’s a concern, given the latter’s shoulder injury history.
The A’s manager said that while this same shoulder issue was troubling Kaprielian last season, Kotsay expects the right-hander to be ready by Spring Training.
“As always, we talk about timeline with injuries, there’s all kinds of variables that can take place between now and February, but the expectation level is he will be ready, yes,” Kotsay concluded.
Kaprielian has dealt with shoulder issues in the past, as the righty missed the start of the 2022 MLB season with a shoulder injury. He also spent time on the injured list in 2021 with the same injury.
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Nevertheless, Kaprielian compiled a 5-9 record with a 4.23 ERA in 26 games, all starts. His 134.0 innings pitched last season were the most of his career, although his strikeout numbers did take a dip.
With Oakland looking round out its starting rotation, a healthy Kaprielian can do wonders for an A’s pitching staff brimming with young and inexperienced talent.