Braves 2022 first-round pick JR Ritchie received some terrible injury news after leaving his last start with an elbow concern. He has torn his UCL and is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery today.
Per sources Braves 2022 first round supplemental pick JR Ritchie will undergo Tommy John surgery later today. The surgery will fix a moderate grade two tear.
— Geoff Pontes (@GeoffPontesBA) May 24, 2023
Ritchie, the 35th overall pick in last year’s draft, put up some good numbers in limited action last season. He began this season in Augusta, and even though his ERA was a bit unsightly at 5.40, he struck out 25 batters over just 13.1 innings.
This is an unfortunate blow to his progression, but at just 19-years-old, it’s far from a death sentence. Tommy John surgery has become commonplace for young pitchers, and a lot of times, they can return even better without any issues in the future. The Braves have a couple of prime examples on their roster right now in Max Fried and Spencer Strider.
Ritchie will miss the rest of the season and could miss all of next year as well. We wish him a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see him when he makes his return, most likely in 2025.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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