Twins Starter Undergoes Tommy John Surgery, Has Brace Inserted In Elbow

After placing 2nd in the 2020 Cy Young voting, the 2021 season didn't quite go exactly as planned for Minnesota Twins starter Kenta Maeda. His ERA was up about 2 runs, and today he underwent Tommy John surgery and will likely miss next season. 

But Maeda had the new 'alternative' TJ procedure, in that he had an "internal brace" placed on his elbow, which could speed up his delivery. 

Rocco said there's a chance that the internal brace could make for a recovery closer to 9-12 months rather than 12-16 months, and he didn't commit to Maeda missing the entire 2022 season for now.

Said they could know more about the timeline in the first 1-3 months of recovery.

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) September 1, 2021

The surgery is said to have gone well, and the brace could make his recovery timeline come in under one yar, rather than the usual 12-16 months. 

Maeda finished the shortened 2020 season with a 6-1 record, a 2.70 ERA and a sparkling 0.75 WHIP, earning him that 2nd place finish for the Cy Young Award. This season, however, Maeda struggled with injuries and went 6-5 with a 4.66 ERA along with a 1.30 WHIP. 

As noted by The Athletic, Maeda's absence means the Twins' will have to build a starting rotation from scratch next season. The trade of Jose Berrios, and the free agency of Michael Pineda leave Minnesota without a single starter under a guaranteed contract for 2022.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports