Insult to Injury? Juan Gutierrez Released By Diamond Backs After Tommy John Surgery

Juan Gutierrez, who played in Greeneville in 2004, was released yesterday by the Arizona Diamondbacks.  He left the Astros organization in the Jose Valverde trade.  Gutierrez missed most of the season with shoulder injuries and then during his come back suffered elbow trouble.  This resulted in him undergoing Tommy John surgery in early September.  While I was shocked by this move, this move was not surprising to those who followed the D-Backs. Here is what was reported after the diagnosis. 

“It’s the last thing you want to hear from the doctor,” Gutierrez said. “The only thing I can guarantee you is that I’m going to work hard to get back healthy.”
Gutierrez normally goes back to Venezuela in the off-season but said he’ll remain in Phoenix to rehab this winter.
His future is up in the air. He’ll be arbitration eligible in the winter, meaning he’ll probably be non-tendered, but he sounded as if he wants to remain in the organization, even with a minor-league deal.

We wish Juan a speedy recovery and a complete comeback.