Trevor Williams, a pitcher for the Washington Nationals, has a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament and will undergo surgery, likely an internal brace procedure, causing him to miss the rest of the season and possibly all of 2026. His recent performance has been affected by injuries, and his future with the team depends on his recovery and the team's offseason decisions.
Shohei Ohtani made his second start as a pitcher for the Dodgers, impressively recording his first two strikeouts without allowing a hit or run in an inning, as part of his return from UCL surgery, signaling a promising comeback in his pitching role.
The Baltimore Orioles' starting rotation suffers a major blow as pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells are set to undergo season-ending UCL surgeries, significantly impacting the team's battle for the AL East title.
Baltimore Orioles pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells will undergo ulnar collateral ligament surgery, sidelining them for the rest of the season. Means, who recently returned from a previous Tommy John surgery, faces another lengthy rehab, potentially affecting his future with the team as he approaches free agency. Wells, dealing with elbow inflammation, also requires surgery after non-surgical treatments failed. This significantly impacts the Orioles' rotation depth, prompting potential trade market explorations for starting pitching reinforcements.
Braves ace Spencer Strider will miss the rest of the season after undergoing UCL surgery, adding to the growing list of MLB pitchers sidelined by arm injuries. His absence reshapes the National League landscape and opens opportunities for other teams. The surge in pitching injuries has sparked debate over the impact of the pitch clock and increased velocity and spin rates, with players divided on its role. As the Braves adjust to Strider's absence, the league grapples with the concerning trend of top pitchers being sidelined.
Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider will miss the rest of the 2024 MLB season after undergoing surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The 25-year-old pitcher made only two starts before experiencing discomfort in his elbow, and an MRI revealed the damage. This adds him to a list of big-name pitchers who have suffered significant injuries this season, including Shane Bieber, Jonathan Loaisiga, Eury Perez, and Trevor Gott.
New York Yankees reliever Jonathan Loaisiga will undergo season-ending UCL surgery, marking the latest setback in his injury-plagued career. The surgery comes with a shorter recovery timeline of 10-12 months, and with Loaisiga set to become a free agent after the season, his future with the Yankees remains uncertain. The team is also dealing with other pitching injuries, including Scott Effross and Lou Trivino, while keeping an eye on Gerrit Cole's health. Despite the challenges, the Yankees are expected to continue pursuing bullpen options as they navigate their pitching concerns.
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodríguez will miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing surgery to repair his UCL and flexor tendon in his throwing arm. Rodríguez, considered one of the sport's top catching prospects, suffered the injury while playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. The Pirates had planned to give Rodríguez the primary catching role, but his absence opens the door for Henry Davis, the team's 2021 first overall pick, to assume the starting position. The Pirates' other options include light-hitting defenders Ali Sánchez and Jason Delay, or exploring veteran catchers in free agency.
The Seattle Mariners are facing a series of significant pitching injuries, with right-hander Penn Murfee set to undergo season-ending surgery on his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Pitching prospect Taylor Dollard will also undergo season-ending labrum surgery, while lefty Marco Gonzales will be shut down for two weeks due to nerve issues in his elbow. Murfee, who has been a strong presence in the Mariners' bullpen, will face a lengthy recovery period, likely missing the remainder of the 2023 season and a portion of the 2024 campaign. The Mariners' rotation challenges are further compounded by other injuries, potentially impacting their approach to the trade deadline.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is uncertain about playing in 2023 after undergoing UCL surgery, but he is taking his recovery "one day at a time" and focusing on small victories like shedding his arm brace. While setbacks can happen during recovery, Purdy is attending off-season programs and there haven't been any reasons to worry. Fans should not panic as everything is still on schedule.