Diamondbacks’ Pitching Rotation Hit Hard as Tommy Henry Needs Elbow Surgery
Table of Contents
- Diamondbacks’ Pitching Rotation Hit Hard as Tommy Henry Needs Elbow Surgery
The Arizona Diamondbacks‘ pitching woes continue as left-handed pitcher Tommy Henry is slated to undergo Tommy John surgery. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo informed reporters of the development, adding to the team’s growing list of injured pitchers.
Another Blow to Arizona’s Pitching Staff
Henry, 27, becomes the sixth Arizona pitcher to require season-ending elbow surgery this season. This also marks the fourth starting pitcher sidelined with such an injury. earlier in June,Cristian Mena,a highly-regarded pitching prospect within the organization,suffered a teres major strain.
Did you Know? tommy John surgery, named after MLB pitcher Tommy John, involves replacing a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow with a tendon from elsewhere in the body.
The cascade of injuries has severely impacted the diamondbacks’ pitching depth. What was once considered a team strength at the beginning of the season has now become a significant area of concern.Currently, the team has only six healthy starting pitchers on its 40-man roster.
Impact on Trade Deadline Strategy
The depleted pitching staff could significantly influence the diamondbacks’ strategy as the trade deadline approaches next month. The team may need to aggressively pursue pitching acquisitions to remain competitive.Whether they act as buyers seeking established arms or sellers aiming to acquire pitching prospects remains to be seen.
Pro Tip: Teams often look for versatile pitchers who can start games or provide relief out of the bullpen to address depth issues.
Henry’s Injury History
This is not the first time Henry has battled elbow issues.In 2023, elbow inflammation sidelined him for the final two months of the regular season and the entire postseason.Even though he participated in live pitching sessions during the NLCS, he was never activated.
Since the beginning of the 2024 season, Henry has moved between Triple-A Reno and the major league roster, filling roles as both a starter and a long reliever. In 2025, he made two relief appearances, allowing three runs over 6.2 innings. Throughout his career, spanning 37 appearances (32 starts), Henry holds a 5.07 ERA.
His most recent start occurred on June 10 while on assignment with Reno,before being placed on the minor league injured list due to an elbow injury. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo revealed that Henry sought a second opinion on his elbow MRI.
Current rotation and future Outlook
As of june 20, the diamondbacks’ current starting rotation consists of Zac Gallen, merrill kelly, Eduardo Rodríguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Ryne Nelson. Bryce Jarvis is the only other available starting pitcher on the 40-man roster. Dylan Ray, Yu-Min Lin, and spencer Giesting are all starting in Triple-A but have a combined 15 starts at that level.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Diamondbacks face the challenge of rebuilding their rotation. With Burnes, Walston, and Henry likely unavailable due to ongoing recovery from surgery, the team will need to explore trade or free agency options. Currently, their projected starting rotation for next season includes Rodríguez, Nelson, Pfaadt, Jarvis, and Mena.
Diamondbacks’ Pitching Staff: By the numbers
| Pitcher | Injury | status |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Henry | Elbow (Tommy John Surgery) | Out for Season |
| Cristian Mena | Teres Major Strain | Out |
| Zac Gallen | Healthy | Active |
| Merrill Kelly | Healthy | Active |
| Eduardo Rodríguez | Healthy | Active |
| Brandon Pfaadt | Healthy | Active |
| Ryne Nelson | Healthy | Active |
The injury to Henry further emphasizes the Diamondbacks’ need to acquire organizational pitching depth, irrespective of their position as buyers or sellers. As buyers, they would aim for established pitchers to bolster their rotation for the current season. As sellers, they would seek prospects at the Double-A level or higher to strengthen their future depth.
Evergreen Insights: The Importance of Pitching Depth
In Major League Baseball,pitching depth is crucial for sustained success. Teams with robust pitching staffs are better equipped to handle injuries, slumps, and the rigors of a long season. Organizations often invest heavily in developing and acquiring pitching talent to ensure they have a steady stream of capable arms.
The Diamondbacks’ current situation highlights the vulnerability of even the most promising rotations. A series of injuries can quickly deplete a team’s pitching resources, forcing them to rely on less experienced players or make trades to fill the gaps. Building a strong farm system and having multiple options at each level is essential for maintaining a competitive pitching staff.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pitching Injuries
What is Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John surgery is a procedure to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. It involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon taken from another part of the body.
How long is the recovery period for Tommy John surgery?
The recovery period for Tommy John surgery typically ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on the individual and the specific details of the surgery.
What are some common causes of elbow injuries in baseball pitchers?
Common causes of elbow injuries in pitchers include overuse, poor mechanics, and insufficient rest. Repetitive throwing motions can place significant stress on the elbow joint, leading to ligament damage.
With their organizational pitching depth compromised, the question now is whether the Diamondbacks should go all-in in 2025 or begin focusing on building for 2026.
What moves should the Diamondbacks make to address their pitching shortage? How will this effect their chances this season?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
