Rays Sign Pitcher Who’s Sidelined For All Of 2023

The Tampa Bay Rays have reversed a seemingly cruel move they made one month ago. On Nov. 15th, they released pitcher Brendan McKay shortly after he underwent Tommy John surgery, putting him out for the 2023 season. But there was a method to their madness, as they intended all along to re-sign the once-promising McKay to a minor league contract. 

#Rays have re-signed LH Brendan McKay to a 2-year minor league contract. He won’t pitch in ‘23 as he recovers from TJ surgery; was released earlier in offseason. Rays also signed C Nick Dini and RHP Colten Brewer to minor-league deals.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) December 16, 2022

It's a two-year pact, as they hope to reap some rewards after McKay's recovery in 2024. 

The left-hander was a heralded prospect when he made his major league debut in 2019, but he struggled, and an almost incredible never-ending string of injuries derailed his career from there. His latest setback forced him to have Tommy John surgery in September. 

Surgeries for his shoulder, thoracic outlet syndrome, and now the UCL, have kept him from ever returning to the majors since that 2019 debut. 

He'll turn 27 in two days, so call his new contract a birthday gift from the Rays, and here's hoping he's able to celebrate in 2024 and show the form that made him the 4th overall pick in 2017.

Photo: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports