After Young’s troubling injury report, the Detroit Tigers issue a positive update.
Tommy John of the Detroit Tigers underwent Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing arm on Wednesday, but he is anticipated to be ready for Opening Day in 2024.
When it comes to the injury report on young outfielder Riley Greene, the Detroit Tigers have experienced the whole range of emotions this week.
On Wednesday, the 22-year-old outfielder, who is a key piece of the Tigers’ rebuild, underwent Tommy John surgery.
That is heartbreaking news because Greene is one of the best young players in baseball, but it is balanced by the fact that Greene should be ready for Opening Day in 2024.
What’s the good news? Greene is expected to be ready for next season, according to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who spoke to media in Los Angeles. That would hardly be unheard of. Dr. Keith Meister performed the surgery on Greene’s non-throwing arm, so he won’t have to go through a strenuous throwing regimen. He will, however, join an increasing number of major-league hitters who have had a treatment more often associated with pitchers.
The non-throwing arm is key here for Greene. It’s possible that the Tigers could build him up slowly for spring training, but if he’s ready for Opening Day, that’s the ultimate goal for a Tigers team that is looking to grow into American League Central contenders.
Greene is a former first-round pick who hit .288 this season with 11 homers and 37 RBI. He ends the campaign having stolen seven bases and registering 378 at-bats on the year, about two-thirds of what you’d want him to get in a season.
