Tommy John surgery

American  

[tom-ee jon sur-juh-ree] / ˈtɒm i ˈdʒɒn ˌsɜr dʒə ri /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. an operation to repair a torn ligament on the inner side of the elbow by replacing it with a tendon from elsewhere in the body or from a donor.

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Etymology

Origin of Tommy John surgery

First recorded in 1985–1990; after U.S. baseball pitcher Thomas Edward (“Tommy”) John (born 1943), who in 1974 was the first to undergo the surgery

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Tommy John surgery

Atlanta then traded for Kerr before the 2024 season, only for him to require Tommy John surgery that June.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026

The pitcher previously quit baseball, dropped out of community college, worked at a 7-Eleven and underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026

Julian Garcia of St. John Bosco was in the dugout last season when the Braves won the title but couldn’t play as he was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

Instead of undergoing Tommy John surgery, when a torn ligament is replaced entirely, Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider underwent a new procedure that uses an internal brace and can lead to a speedier recovery.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026

Aidan Martinez, who missed 2025 after Tommy John surgery, throws the heat for two strikeouts.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2026

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