White Sox: Zack Burdi Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
By Matt Manetti
Dan Hayes tweet Zack Burdi will undergo Tommy John surgery. The right hander will likely miss all of 2018.
Dan Hayes tweets Zack Burdi will undergo Tommy John surgery this week. Hayes first reported the likelihood of Burdi undergoing the procedure. But at the time he was seeking a second opinion. It will sideline him for most of 2018. The Chicago White Sox will now need another option at closer.
It’s a huge blow for Burdi who had aspirations of pitching in the big leagues this season. With the shortage of help in the bullpen, there would be a strong possibility he would have been promoted before the end of this season. Now the White Sox will have to look at other options and the 22-year-old will have a long road to recovery.
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The White Sox drafted Burdi out of Louisville in 2016 and many believed he would be the eventual closer. He came on strong last season but did have some struggles at Triple-A Charlotte. He was 0-4 with a 4.05 ERA in 29 appearances this season.
The White Sox could opt to go with Anthony Swarzak at closer or could try and rely on Nate Jones. Jones, however, is recovering from an injury of his own. The hope is the youngster can return stronger and still have a great career.
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Tommy John surgery is becoming a lot more common these days. It seems like pitchers undergo the procedure and still come back strong. It is still concerning that at just 22, Burdi will have undergone a major procedure. Still there is a long list of players who have come back and had great careers despite it. It looks like we’ll have to wait until 2019 to see Burdi in the majors.