Miami Marlins: Prospect Tyler Kolek Gets Tommy John Surgery
The Miami Marlins top prospect, Tyler Kolek, underwent Tommy John surgery yesterday.
Yesterday Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reported that Miami Marlins’ prospect Tyler Kolek underwent Tommy John Surgery. Kolek suffered an elbow injury this spring, and after seeking several opinions he decided to proceed with the operation.
Kolek was the second pick in the 2014 draft. Prior to being drafted Kolek pitched at Shepherd High School in Shepherd, TX. MLB Pipeline, Fangraphs, and Baseball Prospectus all rank Kolek as the top prospect in the Marlins’ farm system.
More from Miami Marlins
- The Miami Marlins actually do have a Jazz Chisholm problem
- Square one at catcher? Miami Marlins sign former backstop Jorge Alfaro
- Miami Marlins remake their infield at MLB trade deadline for playoff push
- Miami Marlins make late night splash with David Robertson trade
- MLB trade deadline: Nationals and Mets for sale, plus wish lists for Phillies, Braves, Marlins
The appeal of Kolek has been his size (6’5, 260 lbs.) and velocity. Mayo notes that Kolek’s fastball was already being clocked at 102 mph while he was in high school. While the velocity has never been in doubt, there have been questions about Kolek’s command and pitch repertoire.
If Kolek fails to correct these issues the results could be disastrous for the Marlins. In a scouting report from last season CJ Wittmann (Baseball Prospectus) wrote, “signs point to him being a reliever.” That’s probably not what Miami was hoping to get out of the second pick in the draft.
Last season Kolek pitched for Miami’s Rookie League and Single A teams. Between both he made 34 appearances, starting in 33 of them. He accumulated a 4-13 record and 4.55 ERA over 130.2 innings. The command issues were on clear display with a 5.1 BB/9.
So what’s next for Kolek and the Marlins? He’ll be on the shelf for 2016, and will likely pitch again in the low minors at some point in 2017. Kolek’s injury, plus concerns about his ability, have to be troublesome for the Marlins front office and fans alike. The Marlins drafted Kolek ahead of the likes of Carlos Rodon, Kyle Schwarber, and Michael Conforto. The immediate impact of several players in this class could possibly lead to mounting pressure for Kolek to produce.