Dodgers minor league cornerman Connor Joe underwent surgery for testicular cancer on Tuesday. He announced the news on Instagram on Wednesday morning, along with a picture of him from the hospital.
From Joe’s post:
As some of you may know, I made the difficult decision to leave Spring Training 3 weeks ago to attend to personal matters. After some tests and visits with doctors, I unfortunately learned that I have Testicular Cancer. The good news is that we caught it early, and cases like mine are very curable. I have started treatment, underwent surgery yesterday and am in my recovery process now. I recognize the road ahead may be challenging and uncomfortable at times, but God is good and I am staying positive for a quick and full recovery. I am extremely grateful for my wonderful family, friends, the Dodgers organization and teammates for their incredible love and support during this difficult time. Although we tend to shy away from these topics, I am sharing my journey in the hope that this brings more awareness to Men’s Health, and can help others as a result.
Thank you again for your continued support, it means the world to me and my family. I will keep you updated on my path to recovery. I look forward to being back in the game as soon as I am able. Trusting in His plan.
Joe was a non-roster invitee to spring training with the Dodgers this year. The personal issue for which he left camp was reported by Ken Gurnick on Feb. 24.
The Dodgers acquired Joe from the Braves in September 2017. He was a Rule 5 pick of the Reds in December 2018, then traded to the Giants in March 2019 and started in left field for San Francisco on opening day last year before getting returned to the Dodgers in April.
Joe, now 27, hit .300/.426/.503 with 15 home runs and 26 doubles in 105 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2019, starting games at first base, third base, left field and right field.