Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Kyle McPherson suffered a setback in his rehab this week, and was evaluated Wednesday by Dr. James Andrews, the team announced. McPherson was diagnosed with a fracture of the right medial epicondyle and underwent surgery to repair the injured elbow Wednesday afternoon by Dr. Andrews. His estimated return to competition is spring training 2015.
McPherson looked like a potential middle of the rotation starter a few years ago, and even got a brief appearance in the majors at the end of the 2012 season, with a 2.73 ERA in 26.1 innings. From that point forward he has suffered a lot of various injuries, including shoulder issues during the 2012-13 off-season, Tommy John surgery last year, and now this injury.
With most pitchers, Tommy John surgery wouldn’t change their upside. In McPherson’s case, all of the other various injuries now raise doubt of whether he can reach his former upside, or even stay healthy enough to reach the majors again.
McPherson was originally expected to return to pitching in the second half of the 2014 season.
