Adbert Alzolay Got Second Opinion on Forearm Strain, Issue Reportedly in Flexor Tendon

As reported by Andy Martinez of Marquee, Adbert Alzolay recently saw renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister to get a second opinion on the forearm strain that sidelined him earlier this month. Meister has performed numerous elbow reconstructions and is an expert in his field, but it’s not exactly heartening to hear that Alzolay went to see him.

However, a source shared with Martinez that the injury is believed to be in the flexor tendon and not the ulnar collateral ligament involved with Tommy John procedures. A significant enough flexor tendon issue could still require surgery, it just shouldn’t have the same lengthy timeline for return. Meister’s findings will help determine what course Alzolay and the Cubs take.

The most troubling part about this whole thing, at least to me, is that Alzolay may have been gutting it out and pitching through something for much of the season. Stuff like this is typically more acute than chronic in nature, so it’s not like it just happened in one outing. Performance likewise indicates a lingering issue, as Alzolay’s velocity and command were off from previous seasons.

As easy as it is to say in retrospect, he was so far off his game that you’d think a little more digging into the health of his arm may have been warranted a long time ago. All we can do at this point is cross our fingers and hope Alzolay can get healthy and back to his previous level of success without having to go under the knife.

Update: Following his second opinion, Alzolay will not throw for at least two weeks. Craig Counsell would not rule out surgery, saying they will know more following this time off.