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3w ago

Cubs Prospect Brandon Birdsell to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery

The team has not disclosed the procedure or a return timetable, with Dr. Keith Meister scheduled to operate in Texas.

Tennessee Smokies' Brandon Birdsell (45) pitches during the last opening day game at the Tennessee Smokies Stadium on Friday, April 5, 2024 in Kodak, Tenn. © Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Overview

  • Assistant GM Jared Banner announced the decision before Chicago's series opener in San Francisco and said more details will follow after the operation.
  • The surgery rules out a major-league debut for the 25-year-old right-hander in 2025.
  • The extent of the elbow damage remains undisclosed, and outside suggestions of a possible UCL procedure are unconfirmed.
  • Birdsell returned from the 60-day injured list on July 18 to pitch for Triple-A Iowa, then went back on the IL on Aug. 8 after posting a 3.38 ERA in four starts.
  • Chicago's 2024 minor-league pitcher of the year and a 2022 fifth-round pick, Birdsell is Rule 5-eligible this offseason, creating a roster decision for the Cubs.