When a young athlete needs Tommy John surgery, the player isn’t the only impacted party; it’s a significant challenge for parents as well.

Astros right-handed starting pitcher Cristian Javier will undergo Tommy John Surgery, a league source confirmed to KPRC 2 Sports. Javier will undergo the surgery Thursday.

Kyle Bradish and John Means are back.

Tommy John surgery, like baseball itself, is evolving to increase success and sometimes speed return.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito is expected to miss this season after his right ulnar collateral ligament was repaired with an internal brace.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito will undergo right elbow surgery, potentially ending his first season with the team before it even begins.

Chris Sale’s injury-filled career with the Boston Red Sox ended when the 34-year-old left-hander was traded to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Vaughn Grissom.

Astros right-handed starter Luis Garcia will have Tommy John surgery to fix a torn ulnar collateral ligament, the Astros announced Friday.

Orioles left-hander John Means needs Tommy John surgery, ending the season for Baltimore’s opening day starter.

HOUSTON - Jax Traeger had always planned to pitch again in 2022.

HOUSTON – Houston Astros top prospect right-hander Forrest Whitley will have Tommy John surgery. Whitley was diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Sunday after experiencing discomfort during a batting practice session last week. He received a second opinion before opting for the surgery this week. Baker did not have any additional details on when or where the surgery would be performed. “And so hopefully we can go do the operation and then his career can skyrocket from there once he’s ready.”

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros announce Thursday Justin Verlander completed ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, also known as Tommy John surgery, on Wednesday. The typical recovery from Tommy John surgery is 12 to 14 months. Astros announce Justin Verlander had his UCL ("Tommy John") surgery yesterday. — Ari Alexander (@KPRC2Ari) October 1, 2020Verlander’s contract with the Astros runs through the end of 2021, and there’s a good chance Verlander has thrown his last pitch in an Astros uniform. While with the Astros, the 37-year-old right hander won a World Series and a Cy Young Award, which is given annually to the best pitchers in MLB.

The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner says he needs Tommy John surgery, likely putting him out of action through all of next year. “I tried as hard as I could to come back and play this season,” Verlander said. “Unfortunately, my body just didn’t cooperate.”The Astros hold the eighth and final spot in the AL playoff race. Verlander went 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA last year, striking out a career-high 300 and throwing his third no-hitter. His top competitors are likely two-time defending winner Jacob deGrom of the Mets, Atlanta’s Max Fried and Cincinnati’s Trevor Bauer.

HOUSTON – Although it isn’t a surprise, the news is still gutting for Houston fans. Astros Ace Justin Verlander took to Instagram to announce he needs Tommy John surgery. The 37-year-old announced an elbow injury in July but attempted to come back for the rest of the shortened 2020 season. Verlander pitched a simulated game at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, after which he says he experienced discomfort. Tommy John surgery likely will stop him from pitching in 2021, which is the final year of his contract with the Astros.