Pirates Starter Has Season-Ending Tommy John Surgery

Another tough break for the Pittsburgh Pirates on the injury front, as the team has confirmed the worst, announcing that 4th-year starting pitcher JT Brubaker has undergone Tommy John surgery. 

Pirates announced that RHP JT Brubaker underwent Tommy John surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and is projected to return to major league competition in 14-16 months.

— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) April 12, 2023

Per Pirates beat writer Kevin Gorman, the Pirates say that Brubaker will be out from 14-to-16 months after the surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. 

The 29-year-old had a strong spring training, racking up 26 strikeouts against just three walks in 17.1 innings with a 1.10 WHIP. He was expected to be a big part of the rotation this season. 

Brubaker joins exciting youngster Oneil Cruz as long-term absences for the Bucs already on this budding season; Cruz is out four months with a fractured ankle. 

Brubaker had a 4.69 ERA last season in 28 starts, with a 147:54 strikeout-to-walk ratio while inducing grounders at a good rate. He was also the victim of some bad luck, as he had a .334 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) against, higher than normal.

25-year-old Johan Oviedo has stepped into Brubaker's stead in the rotation thus far this season, and threw a gem against the Chicago White Sox in his second start, with six shutout innings. He has a 3.18 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. 

Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports