Ponce, Surgery Name Revealed! Knee Ligament Reconstruction Surgery Confirmed; "Preparing for 2027 Scam Return" — Manager Also Confirms

*This content was translated by AI.

The comeback season of Cody Ponce (32, Toronto Blue Jays), the legend of reverse export from the Hanwha Eagles, has come to a complete halt due to a heartbreaking injury. The Toronto organization has officially disclosed the details of the knee surgery Ponce underwent. Ponce has begun rehabilitation with the goal of returning to spring training in preparation for the 2027 season.

According to multiple reporters, including Kegan Mattison of MLB.com and others who posted on social media, the Toronto organization and manager John Schneider announced on the 18th (Korean time) that "Ponce successfully completed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery". Based on local reports, while the Toronto organization had not previously disclosed detailed information about Ponce's surgery, they revealed relatively specific details on this day.

In an interview with local reporters, Manager Schneider stated "that while he wants to hold onto even the 1st% chance of a miracle, realistically, Ponce will prepare to return in time for the 2027 spring training", effectively confirming his season is over. Although initial assessments suggested a six-month rehabilitation period, the organization has decided to aim for a full return in the 2027 season to ensure complete recovery and rebuild his pitching mechanics.

On the 31st, Ponce suffered an unexpected accident during a home game against the Colorado Rockies at Rogers Center in Toronto, where his right knee buckled during defensive play in the third inning. This tragedy occurred just two months after he made a spectacular return to Major League Baseball for the first time in five years since the 2021 season, signing a lucrative three-year, $30 million (approximately 4.4 billion won) contract with Toronto after previously playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Despite the desperate situation, Ponce and his family have maintained their characteristic positive attitude. Ponce's wife, Emma Kittel Ponce, recently shared a photo on her social media showing Ponce smiling brightly while using crutches, and conveyed updates stating "that they are embarking on a journey together with their 5-month-old daughter, Rain". Emma added "that although the 12th days spent in Toronto were short, they were lovely times. We were deeply shaken, but the human spirit is remarkable, and we will definitely return", expressing her firm resolve. It appears the family has since moved to facilitate surgery and begin rehabilitation.

Ponce also greeted fans through social media. He said "this journey did not start as I had hoped, but I am happy to be part of the Blue Jays", and "I love the brotherhood with my teammates and look forward to the day I return to the mound at Rogers Center to meet the fans again", reaffirming his determination to return.

Ponce's baseball career, which saw him evolve into a complete pitcher through the Japanese Professional Baseball League (NPB) and the Korean KBO League, has now taken a brief pause. Although Ponce will not be seen on the mound in 2026, it remains to be seen whether Ponce, who wrote the 'legend of reverse export', can create another turnaround in 2027.

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*This content was translated by AI.