Brent Suter left his start yesterday in the fourth inning after he experienced a recurrence of his left forearm tightness in his last start. He was expected to be placed on the 10-day DL today regardless, though it was just a matter of how long he would be out. Unfortunately, it is looking like he will be out for the rest of the season. Ken Rosenthal is reporting that it’s a torn UCL for Suter, and he will need Tommy John surgery.
Suter’s results have been mixed this season, posting a 4.80 ERA and 4.49 FIP with a 7.5 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9. He’s helped keep some stability in the rotation this season, making 18 starts with 2 relief appearances, and throwing 101.1 innings. With Freddy Peralta about to return and Junior Guerra also expected back this week, they should cover any immediate need for the team. However, it is still a blow to the depth at starting pitcher, and one that may push the team to consider adding at the deadline.
It’s also going to be a big blow for Suter’s career if he does need Tommy John surgery. With recovery time that could take over a year, he would likely be out until late 2019 at minimum, and potentially through the 2019 season. Hopefully any surgery and/or rehab goes well for him, and he will be able to return to the team and be just as strong once he is healed.