I’ll reserve my comments when I see the man throw the ball. Because of the injury, surgery and immobilization his right side muscle group has atrophied to a point. I’m sure the rehab and trainers have a program to bring his shoulder and arm back to flexibility and strength but until he fires the cannon?
When my son went through rehab after having UCL reconstruction, I was amazed at how prescriptive and well tailored the rehab program was to address range of motion, flexibility, and strength. It also included a throwing regime when the time came as well as ongoing exercises that he still does years later (he still pitches) to keep the entire muscle group strong and on point. I would imagine that Ben's program is probably even more so. But, you are absolutely right on the wait and see. Even after my son was released to full practice/games, it took several months of action on the hill to find his groove again (honed throwing mechanics, control, command of the zone, etc). It is quite possible for Ben to be completely healed and through the throwing programs but still struggle come game day. I am confident he will, but it is not a slam dunk.