Rays Lefty Out For 2023 After Tommy John Surgery

He was once known as the next great "two-way" hope, and was the No. 4 overall pick of the 2017 MLB June Draft. But things haven't quite panned out for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher/first baseman Brendan McKay. Now, he's done until 2024. 

#Rays LH Brendan McKay will undergo Tommy John elbow surgery next week with a goal of returning in 2024

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 10, 2022

The left-hander first suffered a UCL injury in August while pitching at Triple-A Durham. He went for a second opinion, and the now-ubiquitous Tommy John surgery was recommended. He'll have the procedure done next week. 

McKay was called up in 2019 by the Rays, and started 11 games, pitching to a 5.14 ERA. He also got in10 at-bats, hitting one home run and a single. 

But a series of devastating injuries has upended his career since then, including shoulder surgery in 2020, a season-ending flexor strain in 2021, and then thoracic outlet syndrome for which he had surgery last November. 

He was a phenomenal two-way talent at the University of Louisville, with the bat and the glove, catching the eye of scouts everywhere, and landing him the 4th overall selection in 2017. His hitting never quite progressed as did his pitching. But his work on the mound hit a wall as well during the past three years of non-stop serious injuries. 

Hopefully the 26-year-old McKay can restart his career after he recovers from TJ surgery, in 2024.

Photo: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports, Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports