It seems like just yesterday, Huascar Ynoa was amid a breakout season for the Braves and on his way to the All-Star Game, but everything changed following a miserable start in Milwaukee last year. It resulted in Ynoa breaking his hand while punching a wall after being removed from the game. Nothing has been the same since. Ynoa struggled when he returned and quickly faded out in the bullpen during the postseason.
The Braves attempted to give him another shot this year. Following a shortened Spring Training because of the lockout, Ynoa began the season in Atlanta. But after surrendering ten earned runs in his first 6.2 innings pitched, he quickly found himself in Gwinnett.
Things didn’t get better… In 18 appearances (17 starts) with the Stripers, Huascar Ynoa boasted an unsightly 5.68 ERA. His last outing came on August 24th, as he pitched two scoreless innings, but something must have felt off because the Braves announced he underwent a successful surgery on his UCL today.
Medical Update on Huascar Ynoa: RHP Huascar Ynoa underwent successful surgery today to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm. Dr. Keith Meister performed the procedure in Arlington, Texas.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 7, 2022
This is abysmal news for one of the most high-powered arms in the organization. I always thought Ynoa had a bright future looming with the Braves, whether it be as a starter or a reliever. Unfortunately, undergoing Tommy John surgery this deep into the season means he will miss all of next year as well.
There’s no bright side to a devastating injury like this, but at least Huascar Ynoa is only 24-years-old. He could still bounce back and have a very successful major-league career. But with everything that’s happened to Ynoa over the last couple of seasons, it will take an incredible amount of mental toughness to do so.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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