The New York Yankees announced that top pitching prospect James Kaprielian will undergo Tommy John surgery. He will have the surgery on April 18, according to the Yankees Public Relations Department.
RHP James Kaprielian is scheduled to undergo “Tommy John” surgery on Tuesday, 4/18. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) April 13, 2017
Kaprielian was placed on the minor-league disabled list due to right elbow pain, and was evaluated by team orthopedist Dr. Daniel Murphy. After undergoing an MRI, the 23-year-old met with elbow physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache to get a second opinion.
Brian Cashman told reporters on Wednesday that the young prospect was considering “something major,” but didn’t give more information. That bit of information led many to believe that Kaprielian’s injury was concerning for the Yankees organization.
Injuries have derailed Kaprielian early in his professional career. After just three starts in 2016, the right-hander was shut down for the season due to a strained flexor tendon.
The Yankees were optimistic that Kaprielian could stay healthy after treating him delicately in spring training. When camp started it was unclear if Kaprielian would see game action, but after expressing that he felt like a “caged bull,” the Yankees did finally pitch him on March 16. There was hope that the talented prospect could quickly rise through the Yankees farm system, eventually leading him to the Bronx as early as this season.
This is a tough blow for the organization. It is expected that the young prospect will not be able to pitch again until sometime during the 2018 season.
After Kaprielian undergoes Tommy John surgery, the Yankees organization is hopeful that this will be the end of his injury woes.
