Cody Ponce, the pitcher who previously played for the Hanwha Eagles and returned to Major League Baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays, has shared an update on his recovery journey. On July 23rd (KST), Ponce posted a video on his social media showcasing his rehabilitation training at the Toronto training facilities. The video captured him performing light catch-and-throw drills while wearing a brace on his surgically repaired right knee.
Ponce Undergoes Surgery for ACL Tear
The footage showed Ponce engaging in catch-and-throw sessions at a distance of approximately 15-20 meters, indicating a smooth progression in his rehabilitation. This marks 18 weeks since he underwent surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, an injury he sustained on March 31st. During a game against the Colorado Rockies at Rogers Centre, Ponce collapsed after attempting to field a ground ball in the third inning, experiencing a severe tear in his knee.
The injury was so severe that he struggled to stand up and had to be carted off the field. Following confirmation of a complete ACL tear, Ponce underwent surgery on April 8th, effectively ending his season. This was a particularly difficult blow for Ponce, as it marked his return to Major League Baseball after a five-year absence. His brief stint in the majors resulted in a stat line of 1-1 with a 1.89 ERA in 2 1/3 innings pitched, along with one walk, three strikeouts, and one inherited runner.
Rehabilitation and Support System
In the early stages of his rehabilitation, Ponce also trained with Joey Kitna, his sister-in-law Emma’s brother and a former NFL player. Kitna, a former star for the San Francisco 49ers, was also in the process of recovering from his own Achilles tendon tear sustained the previous season. Ponce’s rehabilitation efforts extend beyond just throwing; he has also posted videos of himself performing weight training exercises aimed at strengthening his right knee.
The rehabilitation process is known to be arduous and time-consuming. During his strength training sessions, Ponce’s facial expressions often conveyed the intensity of the workouts. This period of recovery has also seen a change in his appearance. During his time with the Hanwha Eagles, Ponce was known for his long hair and prominent beard, which were his trademarks. However, during his rehabilitation, he has opted for a much shorter beard, a look that might seem somewhat unfamiliar to his fans in Korea.
Ponce’s Baseball Journey
Ponce’s baseball career began when he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round of the 2015 MLB draft. He played in Japan after a stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he recorded a 1-7 record with a 4.50 ERA in 20 games (78 2/3 innings) in 2021-2022. He then signed with the Hanwha Eagles ahead of the 2023 season, where he had an exceptional year in the KBO League.
In his 2023 season with the Eagles, Ponce pitched in 29 games (180 2/3 innings), achieving a remarkable 17-1 record with a 1.89 ERA and striking out 252 batters. His performance earned him the pitching Triple Crown (wins, ERA, strikeouts) and the league MVP award. Building on his success in Korea, Ponce signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2025 season, marking his return to Major League Baseball.
Looking Ahead
Ponce’s dedication to his rehabilitation is evident in his social media updates. The light catch-and-throw sessions and strength training indicate that he is steadily working towards a full recovery. While the road back to the mound can be challenging, Ponce’s progress suggests he is on track to return to pitching. His previous success in both the KBO and his brief MLB appearances demonstrates his talent, and fans will be eager to see him back on the field once he is fully cleared to play.
