The Detroit Tigers just can’t escape the injury bug this season. The team’s manager A.J. Hinch confirmed on Tuesday that starter Matthew Boyd is dealing with an elbow injury and will require Tommy John surgery.
Boyd will miss the remainder of the 2023 MLB campaign and likely a good chunk of the next season as well. The 32-year-old was 5-5 in 15 starts this season and had a 5.45 ERA with 73 strikeouts.
The surgery is an unfortunate turn of events for Boyd, considering he was just getting his rhythm back after a previous lengthy absence. He missed almost the entire 2022 campaign following a flexor tendon surgery.
“Logged a lot of innings, he’s had some really good stretches, and I’ve seen him work hard to get himself over one injury, and now he’s injured again,” said Hinch. “I feel for him. He’s a great guy. He’s gonna work his tail off to be back and be the best he can be, but it’s tough news.”
Boyd made his last start on Monday against the Texas Rangers. He managed 15 pitches in the first inning before reporting elbow discomfort and exiting the game. Right-hand pitcher Will Vest stepped in for Boyd, but he also didn’t last long, suffering a lower leg strain in the second inning.
The Tigers are currently also without pitchers Tarik Skubal and Eduardo Rodriguez at the moment. However, the duo recently started rehabbing in the minors and is expected to rejoin the active roster sooner than later.
