The Pittsburgh Pirates received some bad news the other day about one of their top prospects. Cole Tucker, their first round selection last season, and the 24th pick overall, is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season after undergoing surgery to repair the labrum in his right shoulder.
#Pirates INF prospect Cole Tucker out 10-12 moths after surgery today to repair the labrum in his right shoulder
— RobBiertempfel (@RobBiertempfel) August 26, 2015
This is certainly a tough blow for the Pirates farm system, as Tucker, with the trade of JaCoby Jones at the deadline, is Pittsburgh’s top shortstop prospect. Even though he turned 19 years old last month, Tucker had acquitted himself well with the West Virginia Power of the South Atlantic League, posting a .293/.322/.377 batting line, hitting 13 doubles and stealing 25 bases in his 79 games.
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Although Cole Tucker will be missing a crucial year of development, he is fortunately young enough where that should not derail his progression through the Pirates minor leagues that badly. He was one of the youngest players in the South Atlantic League this season, three and a half years younger than the league average at the start of the year. Even if Tucker does not come back until 2017, at age 20, he will still be afforded every opportunity to make his mark upon the Pirates system.
It is also fortunate that this injury may not affect Tucker that much on the field. While the labrum injury may affect his strong throwing arm, Tucker has an offensive game that is, to this point, based upon a solid batting eye and excellent speed. While he is projected to develop some pop, Tucker may be more of a doubles hitter as he continues to develop, as opposed to becoming a power hitting middle infielder.
Hopefully for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cole Tucker will find his way back on the diamond by the middle of next season. Should his recovery go well, and he is back at the shorter end of the anticipated time, he would still have half a season to further that development. Fortunately for Tucker and the Pirates, time is on their side.