Braves right-hander Mike Foltynewicz, diagnosed with blood clots in his pitching arm, had successful surgery to remove the anterior half of his first rib on Monday.
He will likely have a related but less-invasive procedure before his expected release from the hospital Thursday. Foltynewicz will continue a treatment of blood thinners for at least six weeks, and a Braves official said there was no timetable for his return to baseball activities.
Monday’s procedure was performed by Dr. William Mayfield at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta.
Foltynewicz last pitched Aug. 25 in a start against the Rockies. He went on the 15-day disabled list Sept. 2 because of costochondritis, or inflammation of cartilage near the ribs.
The team announced Sunday that the 23-year-old rookie had been taken to the emergency room Friday after reporting to Turner Field with redness and significant swelling in his throwing arm. He said he felt pain in the arm Thursday night.
Foltynewicz was 4-6 with a 5.71 ERA and .313 opponents’ average in 18 games (15 starts) this season, with 77 strikeouts, 29 walks and 17 homers allowed in 86 2/3 innings. Since the beginning of June, he was 1-4 with a 6.97 ERA and .350 opponents’ average in 12 games (nine starts).
