Antone back in majors after third TJ surgery

Editor’s Note: This story first appeared on the Weatherford College website.

Former Weatherford College Coyote Tejay Antone has joined a select group. He is only the third player in Major League Baseball history to return to the big leagues after having had Tommy John surgery for a third time.

Antone was called back up to the Cincinnati Reds in early May. As of the writing of this article, his return was a marked success as he had appeared in 18 games, had a 1-0 record, pitched 19.2 innings, struck out 17, walked just six and posted a save.

“The arm is feeling good and finally back to normal,” Antone said.

Tommy John surgery — formally known as ulnar collateral ligament, or UCL, reconstruction — is a surgical procedure that replaces a torn or damaged ligament on the inside of the elbow with a tendon graft. It is most commonly performed on baseball pitchers and other overhead throwing athletes to restore elbow stability and function.

“It’s a great feeling and a great accomplishment,” Antone said of returning to the majors after his third Tommy John surgery. “It took a village to make it happen and I thank everyone who was there to support me along the way.” 

Antone’s first Tommy John surgery forced him to miss the 2017 season. Then, after joining the Reds MLB club in 2020, he missed the 2022 campaign with his second surgery. He then missed most of the 2024 season with his third.

Current Coyotes coach Jud Kinzy was a fellow pitcher when Antone played for Weatherford College. He recalled his former teammate’s determination then and believes that is a big help to him now.

“Tejay worked extremely hard when he was here at WC. I’m sure he’s even tougher now after three surgeries,” Kinzy said. “I watch some of our players who have just one surgery and it’s extremely hard just coming back from one surgery.”

The only two other pitchers to return to the majors after a third such surgery were Johnny Venters (2010-19 pro career) and Jason Isringhausen (1995-2012 pro career). Venters was the 2018 Comeback Player of the Year and Isringhausen is in the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.

Whereas their careers were spent with several teams, Antone has been with the Reds organization ever since being drafted out of Weatherford College in 2014.

“I couldn’t thank the Reds enough to stick with me and give me opportunity after opportunity. I really couldn’t have done it without them,” Antone said.

In between the surgeries Antone has given the Reds plenty about which to be optimistic. In 84.1 major league innings pitched, he had a 2.77 earned run average, along with four saves, a 2-3 record, 103 strikeouts, and only 36 walks.

Before being called up in May he spent a short time in Triple-A at Louisville. He was 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 12 appearances.

In his first appearance back with the Reds, he proved his worthiness again. Pitching in a major league game for the first time in over two years, he hurled a perfect eighth inning, striking out two batters.

Antone’s coach at Weatherford College, Jeff Lightfoot, said his former star’s ability to continually battle back and once again be in the majors is a tribute to the level of his toughness and tenacity.

“I have watched many players go through that surgery and it’s a very long and difficult process. It takes a toll on you mentally and physically. To go through that three times is truly incredible,” Lightfoot said. “Tejay  has always had an elite work ethic and he certainly put that to the test over the past several years. 

“To get back on a big league mound and pitch again in high leverage situations is simply a testament to Tejay’s grit and determination. Those qualities will serve Tejay well for the rest of his life.”

Antone has chronicled his experience in print.

“I’m excited to get my book on the whole process published,” he said. “It’s called ‘The Tommy John Protocol.’ It’s an autobiography and technical knowledge around the surgery and the tips and tricks to come back from it.”