Mike Burrows, one of the Pirates' top pitching prospects and someone who looked set to make his major-league debut in 2023, underwent UCL reconstruction surgery Wednesday, according to director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk.
Burrows, the team's No. 9 prospect according to Baseball America, last pitched on April 8 and got a second opinion on his forearm injury earlier this week, which confirmed that he would need surgery. The timetable for a return is 14-16 months.
"[It's] unfortunate," Tomczyk said. "But fortunate for Mr. Burrows that he now has 100% clarity on his path to return to baseball."
Burrows had his contract selected to be added to the 40-man roster this winter.
Losing Burrows is another blow for the Pirates' pitching depth, who lost JT Brubaker earlier this month after he too underwent UCL surgery. Luis Ortiz is on the 40 man roster and Quinn Priester is Class AAA, but with Johan Oviedo already in the rotation, the Pirates are down half of their original plan for starting pitching depth.
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• Endy Rodriguez also had a right forearm strain, but the news is much more encouraging. He has restarted hitting this week and is projected to be able to return as a designated hitter in the next three or four days. Ideally, his projection to return as a position player would be in a little over a week.
• Oneil Cruz (ankle) was spotted at PNC Park Thursday morning and was all smiles. He remains in high spirits after his surgery and had his post-surgical staples removed. He can begin some upper body workouts and be around the clubhouse, though he isn't traveling with the team on this road trip.
• Rob Zastryzny (elbow) has started playing catch on flat ground from 100-105 feet. If he continues his progression, he will throw off of a mound next week.
• Chase De Jong (lumbar strain) made his first rehab assignment this week. He'll make another later this week. He is having no issues with his lower back.
• WIl Crowe (shoulder) is going to have a brief period of rest before starting his rehab.
• Among pitchers who are going to be out a period of time: Ji-Man Choi will be in a walking boot for the next couple of weeks. Brubaker got his stutters out following his UCL surgery. Max Kranick continues to make progress from his Tommy John surgery.
