Something clearly wasn’t right with Kyle Drabek and we now find out that he will undergo his second Tommy John elbow surgery tomorrow. Drabek started the season rather well, showcasing an improved strikeout rate (7.8 K/9) and decent control (4.5 BB/9) as he posted a 2.40 ERA in 30 innings in April.
However the season quickly turned sour in May and June where his FIPs were 7.07 and 5.10 respectively. His velocity was down over 1 MPH on his fastball and his control was nearly non-existent (7.8 BB/9 in May, 5.6 BB/9 in June). He left his last start after feeling something pull in his right elbow and the rest is history.
So it is back to square one for Kyle Drabek, a key component of the Roy Halladay trade as we still do not know what type of pitcher we have. Is he the ground ball inducing machine we saw in April or the mediocre strike out pitcher who lacks even average command?
This is a tough loss if for no other reason the jury will have to remain out on his potential for another 15-18 months minimum as he makes his way back from the surgery. By then a plethora of intruiging and talented arms making their way through the Jays system will be passing him on the depth chart.
Barring a fairly miraculous recovery and comeback Kyle Drabek might have thrown his last meaningful pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays.
