Rays’ All-Star Andrew Kittredge Needs a Tommy John Surgery

Tampa Bay Rays' Andrew Kittredge in 2021
Tampa Bay Rays' Andrew Kittredge in 2021. Photo by Canadian Press/Shutterstock (12444864q)

The number of pitchers on the Tampa Bay Rays’ injured list just keeps on growing. The latest to get added on it is veteran closer Andrew Kittredge, who is set to have a Tommy John surgery.

Kittredge, who was an All-Star last year, initially landed on the list due to loose bodies in his elbow. However, what was supposed to be a minor procedure turned out to be a much bigger issue. Further examination showed that he has ligament damage. He will now miss the rest of the 2022 campaign and possibly the better part of the 2023 MLB season as well.

Kittredge has played only 17 games this campaign while struggling with other health issues, including lower back tightness. He went 3-1 with five saves, 14 strikeouts, and a 3.15 ERA.

“There’s no doubt it is frustrating, just because we lean on Kitt so much,” said Rays’ manager Matt Cash. “We felt like he came back, he was in a good spot, and then the next day after his outing, his arm just kind of locked up on him.”

Andrew Kittredge made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2017. After alternating between majors and Triple-A for several years, Kittredge finally got his shot last year and took the most of it. He posted a 9-3 record with 1.88 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 57 appearances on the mound.

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