Yankees pitcher Nathan Eovaldi will miss all of the 2017 season

Nathan Eovaldi, starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, requires Tommy John surgery and will miss all of 2017.

The New York Yankees are in their rebuilding mode now, and apparently, so is Nathan Eovaldi. It was revealed today that the 26-year old pitcher has a torn flexor tendon and a partially torn UCL. This will require him to undergo two operations, including Tommy John surgery. Due to this development, Eovaldi will miss all of the 2017 MLB season.

The initial concern regarding Eovaldi’s health came when he was forced out of his last start on August 10. He left the game after the first inning while complaining about pain in his right elbow. After further evaluation, it was recommended that he should have the two surgeries.

Nathan’s future with the Yankees, or with any other team, is very much in doubt now. This will be his second Tommy John surgery after his first one took place when he was in high school. His total recovery time can take up to 18 months, and the flexor tendon surgery will require three to six months to heal.

Eovaldi is in his final contract year with the Yankees and is eligible for arbitration after the season. However, due to health concerns, the Bronx Bombers will most likely non-tender him. If they decide to do that, he will then become a free agent.

The former Miami Marlin was having a mediocre season before news of his required surgeries. He will finish 2016 with a 9-8 record , 4.76 ERA and 97 strikeouts. Whenever he makes his return, he will most likely receive a bullpen role.

At this point, it appears that the starting pitcher days for Eovaldi are over.