Maybe Brendan McKay can help Tampa Bay Rays in 2024

So much for Brendan McKay helping the Tampa Bay Rays in 2022. Or 2023 for that matter.

The Rays’ oft-injured prospect had hoped to make his return this season. However, his rehab from thoracic outlet syndrome lasted for exactly one pitch before departing due to injury. On Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that McKay will undergo Tommy John surgery as the Rays now hope that he can contribute in 2024.

Brendan McKay follows familiar script with Tampa Bay Rays

McKay had once been considered an intriguing prospect for the Rays. He was a two way player, appearing at first base when he was not on the mound, although his future appeared brighter from a pitching standpoint. A consensus top 50 prospect from 2018 through 2020, he was expected to be another building block for their rotation.

Instead, his career has been completely derailed by injuries. McKay had shoulder surgery that ended his 2020 season. During his rehab from surgery, he strained his forearm and was shut down again. This time, he was also diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome and had a procedure to fix that.

He did show some potential during his brief stint in the majors. While his 5.14 ERA and 1.408 WHiP may not seem overly impressive, he did post a 4.03 FIP, showing his potential. He also had 56 strikeouts and just 16 walks in his 49 innings, leading to a solid 3.5:1 K/BB rate. McKay had 11 plate appearances as well, belting a home run and drawing a walk while striking out just twice.

While the future had seemed bright at the end of the 2019 campaign, one now has to wonder if it will ever arrive. McKay will be 28 years old once he returns to the mound in 2024, over four years removed from his last major league pitch. Time is starting to run out for him to prove that he can be healthy enough to be a viable option.

Brendan McKay is officially done for the 2022 season. As it turns out, he will not pitch for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023 either.