Minnesota Twins Prospect Tyler Jay May Be Done for the Season
In a tough blow for the Minnesota Twins, top prospect Tyler Jay may be done for the 2017 season, as he will be tested for thoracic outlet syndrome.
The sixth overall selection in the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft, the Minnesota Twins had high hopes for Tyler Jay. A lefty with a mid 90s fastball and excellent slider, the Twins were hopeful that Jay would be able to develop into a solid starter over his time in the minors. He certainly appeared to be on his way to becoming a useful starter last season, as he produced a 3.33 ERA and a 1.231 WHiP, striking out 77 batters against 26 walks in 83.2 innings.
While the 2016 season was solid, it ended on a sour note. He battled neck issues after a promotion to AA, and was examined for a shoulder injury or thoracic outlet syndrome. Instead, tests revealed that Jay was suffering from neuropraxia, a mild nerve injury. As a result, he was moved to the bullpen, where he could end up on the fast track to the majors.
Instead, Jay’s 2017 season is over before it really had a chance to begin. After two ineffective innings at AA, Jay is again facing those same issues. Once again, he is being tested for thoracic outlet syndrome, and may well be heading towards season ending surgery.
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Still a relatively new procedure, the success rate for pitchers having TOS is not exactly great. Phil Hughes is back on the disabled list after experiencing a recurrence of his symptoms, and had moved to the bullpen himself. Nick Tepesch and Dillon Gee have struggled in the minors. And let us not forget the other pitchers to undergo this procedure, and they struggles they have had as well.
Perhaps Jay’s youth will be a benefit should he undergo the same procedure. At just 23 years old, he would be one of the youngest pitchers to face the recovery process, and may be able to find his old form once again. Nonetheless, the disturbing track record for pitchers dealing with TOS has to be concerning.
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The Minnesota Twins were hopeful that Tyler Jay would be a key piece of their future. If he really does have thoracic outlet syndrome, Jay could be fighting for his career.