Blue Jays' Tiedemann recovering from Tommy John surgery

Ricky Tiedemann, a young pitching prospect for the Blue Jays, is on the mend after surgery. The 22-year-old southpaw is recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he had last July. This surgery usually requires 12 to 14 months of recovery. Tiedemann hopes to return to the mound by late summer. Tiedemann, who is ranked fourth among Blue Jays prospects, feels optimistic about his recovery. He said, “I feel great. I feel brand new again.” He is currently focusing on workouts and exercises to regain his strength and mobility. The team is taking a cautious approach to his return, emphasizing patience and gradual progress. Throughout his career, Tiedemann has dealt with various injuries. Last year, he struggled with biceps inflammation and elbow issues. Despite these setbacks, he had impressive performances in the minor leagues, including being named pitcher of the year in the Arizona Fall League. Now, he is engaged in a rigorous rehabilitation program. He is incorporating stretching, weight training, and plyometric drills to improve his condition. Tiedemann expresses the importance of taking things one day at a time during this recovery process. The Blue Jays have a strong veteran pitching rotation this season. Tiedemann is part of a group of young pitchers who are recovering from surgery and are supporting each other through group meetings. Manager John Schneider noted that the team's goal is to allow Tiedemann to gain valuable experience when he is ready to pitch again. As Tiedemann continues to progress, he remains hopeful about his return to the game. He said, “It all feels great again. I feel stronger than ever.”