Dobnak had ligaments called pulleys in his right middle finger rupture over the past two years.
From Dr. Jonathan Cluett:
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Finger Pulleys
Everyone has structures in their fingers called digital pulleys (doctors often use the words "digit" and "finger" interchangeably). These digital pulleys are specialized structures that hold the tendons against the bones of the fingers. Without these pulleys in the fingers, a problem called bowstringing of the tendons would occur.
Treatment
If there is bowstringing of the tendons, then more careful management of the injury needs to occur. This does not always mean surgery is necessary, but there are specialized splints and therapy techniques that can allow the pulleys to heal properly. Only in situations where there are multiple pulley ruptures or if there is delayed treatment should surgery be necessary.
As far as returning to activity, this varies significantly with the severity of the injury. With mild pulley strains, the full activity can be resumed as soon as swelling and pain have subsided. For full ruptures that are being treated non-surgically, duration of treatment is typically between one and three months. For people who require surgical reconstruction of a pulley injury, there may be restrictions for up to a year from the time of surgery.
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If I understand correctly, Randy chose rest and rehab (plus a cortisone shot) versus surgery since there isn't any precedent for baseball players having such a procedure and resuming their careers.
From RotoWire:
"Dobnak's oft-injured finger has been pain-free all winter, and he's been throwing bullpen sessions without issue, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "I think we're way over the hump now. I've been down here for a month. I threw live Friday, that was probably my 10th bullpen," Dobnak said. "I've been slinging it fine." Dobnak does not have great velocity, but he generated ground balls at a high rate before his injury. His success was largely due to his sinker, and the Star Tribune report says he's had to modify the pitch with more horizontal break due to the damaged finger."
I'm one Twin's fan pulling for him. Don't dis The Dobnak.