Rockies Reliable Reliver Likely Headed For Tommy John Surgery

Colorado Rockies left-handed reliever Lucas Gilbreath is facing the possibility of season-ending Tommy John surgery after undergoing an MRI on his left elbow.

Gilbreath, who missed time at the end of the 2022 season due to a flexor strain, aggravated the injury during mound work at the start of spring training.

#Rockies LHP Lucas Gilbreath, whose 2022 ended with a PRP injection, has had an MRI, and Tommy John surgery is likely. Gilbreath says, "We're still looking into different options."

— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) March 2, 2023

While Gilbreath and the Rockies are still exploring different options, Tommy John surgery appears inevitable for the 26-year-old. 

Despite playing half of his games in Coors Field, Gilbreath has become one of the Rockies better relievers over the past couple of seasons. He's posted a 3.78 ERA and 93 strikeouts over 94 appearances and 85.2 innings of work. However, he has struggled against right-handed bats.

If Gilbreath does undergo Tommy John surgery, he will almost certainly miss the entire 2023 season, and likely the beginning of the 2024 season as well. This would be a significant blow to the Rockies, who were counting on Gilbreath to play a key role in their bullpen this year.

He is a former seventh-round pick by the Rockies in the 2017 MLB Draft.
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