Arch Authority
Fansided

St. Louis Cardinals RHP Mitch Harris Undergoes Elbow Surgery

By Patrick Karraker

May 21, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Mitch Harris (40) pitches against the New York Mets during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Mitch Harris (40) pitches against the New York Mets during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
twitterfacebookreddit

Mitch Harris put an end to his frustrating 2016 season by undergoing a “Tommy John-like” surgery.

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Mitch Harris announced via Instagram on Monday that he’s undergone an elbow operation that will officially end his 2016 season. As the 30-year-old wrote, “last week we determined that my UCL had come off of the bone in my forearm and there was a hinged bone spur as well.” Following this diagnosis, Harris “had the UCL repaired in a ‘Tommy John-like’ surgery and the spur was removed.”

Harris, a 30-year-old Naval veteran, made his major-league debut in 2015 and experienced some success, posting a 3.67 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and .278 opponent batting average. He held opponents scoreless in 20 of his 26 big-league appearances.

Harris had yet to pitch at any level in 2016 after experiencing elbow discomfort during spring training. He pitched in just one spring training game, giving up a two-run home run over an inning and a third. Harris has been on the Cardinals’ 60-day disabled list since May 25, so his decision to have surgery will have no impact on roster decisions going forward this season.

Next: Cardinals Activate Maness, Option Kiekhefer

Harris wrote that he’ll be ready to pitch again by January of next year, and it sounds as if the fact that his surgery was a “Tommy John-like” procedure, rather than traditional Tommy John, will aid his recovery.

Home/St. Louis Cardinals