Tigers' Bailey Horn Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

A lengthy recovery will cost Horn nearly all of 2027, forcing Detroit to confront short-term bullpen needs and offseason roster choices.

Overview

Horn underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in his left elbow on Wednesday in Dallas, a procedure the Tigers announced that ends his 2026 season.
The surgery followed an earlier arthroscopic elbow procedure and a stalled April rehab after persistent soreness revealed a ligament tear that required reconstruction.
Tommy John recovery typically takes 12 to 18 months, so Horn is expected to miss most or all of the 2027 season as he begins a long rehabilitation.
Under current rules Horn will stay on the injured list, earn at least the league minimum and accrue a year of service time, and Detroit may place him on waivers this offseason rather than keep a 40-man spot.
Horn, a left-handed depth reliever acquired in spring 2025 with limited MLB track record, leaves the Tigers with an added bullpen vacancy that could prompt short-term call-ups or veteran additions before the trade deadline.