On June 5th an MRI revealed a significant slap tear in my labrum in my throwing shoulder. I had been dealing with shoulder pain since spring training, and after cortisone shots and rehab earlier in the year, I got to a point where I could no longer pitch through the pain. The mental effects of not being 100% may have been even worse than the physical effects from the shoulder. Showing up to work everyday knowing I was going to have to grind through pain just to do my job wore me down mentally, and was not a recipe for success. On June 12th, after a week of consulting with several Orthopedic Surgeons, family members, teammates and other confidants, I chose the surgical fix. I made this decision to prolong my career as a professional baseball player. It was NOT an easy decision. On June 13th, the White Sox released me. I felt devastated, embarrassed and heartbroken. I felt lost. Facing a surgery to fix your shoulder is one thing, but to do it without the support of the team whom you hurt your arm pitching for cut very deep. Literally. On June 17th, I underwent successful arthroscopic surgery. The Doctor was pleased with his work, as was I! He expects a full recovery and return to play at the same level. It has been an absolute roller coaster of emotions. I’m so thankful for my family, friends, teammates and my wife for lifting me up and helping me back to my feet. I am thankful for my time in Chicago. I loved the SouthSide, and wore my uniform with pride every single night. I know it wasn’t always pretty, and I didn’t always get the job done, but I loved every second of it. I competed and gave everything I had to the team. It was an honor to share the clubhouse with my teammates, coaches and the clubhouse staff. I will cherish the friendships and memories made for my whole life. I felt that it was important to tell my side of the story. With all that said, I am not done. Not even fucking close. See you in ‘23