In Scottsdale, Arizona, Rockies prospect Braylen Wimmer is back in action after a remarkable journey. Following a 3 1/2-hour surgery in November to remove a golf ball-sized tumor from his brain, Wimmer is once again embracing the game he loves. During the procedure, doctors kept him engaged in conversation about baseball and Christmas to ensure his speech and motor skills remained unaffected.
Wimmer, 25, is now fully participating in baseball activities and is eager to be ready for the season as Minor League camp concludes. Last year, he showcased his talents with a .296 average between High-A Spokane and Double-A Hartford, and despite a brief Fall League stint, he remains determined to make an impact this year.
Drafted in the eighth round in 2023 from the University of South Carolina, Wimmer has shown versatility, adding outfield play to his infield skills. His journey is a testament to perseverance and the classic late bloomer story, benefiting from his college experience.
The tumor, identified as an astrocytoma, wasn't completely removed, so Wimmer undergoes regular MRIs to monitor his recovery. Just two weeks post-surgery, he was back to hitting soft tosses, and now he's fully engaged in workouts, regaining strength and weight.
Rockies senior player development director Chris Forbes, himself a cancer survivor, supported Wimmer through the process, offering guidance and encouragement. Forbes emphasized the importance of informed decision-making and avoiding misinformation.
Wimmer remains focused on his dream, unfazed by potential on-field collisions, and is driven to continue his progress from last year.
In other Rockies news, right-hander Antonio Senzatela is set to start in Friday's Cactus League opener against the Diamondbacks. After moving to the bullpen last year, Senzatela is being considered for a rotation spot, bringing renewed energy and optimism to the team, as noted by manager Warren Schaeffer.