GLENDALE, Ariz. — The White Sox’ bullpen was dealt a significant blow Friday, losing left-hander Garrett Crochet for the season. Crochet, 22, who exited a Cactus League game Thursday night after facing one batter, likely will have Tommy John surgery, general manager Rick Hahn said.
Hahn said an MRI exam showed ligament damage in Crochet’s elbow. He will get a second opinion, but “the prognosis at this time is not great.”
After striking out the Reds’ Sebastian Almonte in Goodyear, Crochet threw two more pitches before heading to the clubhouse with training staff.
“In talking to him, it sounds like the pitch before he felt a little something, and it sort of went away, and then he threw the next pitch and felt a sharp pain again and wisely shut it down,” Hahn said.
Hahn with the bad news on Crochet, who is likely headed for TJ surgery pic.twitter.com/WJqlOavZqv
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) April 1, 2022
Crochet had allowed five runs in his previous outing after three scoreless appearances to start the spring. The Sox’ first-round draft choice in 2020, Crochet was coming off his first full season. He appeared in 54 games, posting a 2.82 ERA with 65 strikeouts and a 1.270 WHIP over 54„ innings.
The loss of Crochet is a significant blow to a bullpen that featured a strong left-handed tandem of Aaron Bummer and Crochet. Hahn, who was finalizing the Craig Kimbrel trade Thursday, is now down two quality pitchers in his bullpen.
“We’re still putting the final touches on the roster,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘I suspect we’ll break with at least two lefties [in the bullpen], Aaron and at least one of the kids to start [the season].
“[Bennett] Sousa and [Anderson] Severino have shown the potential ability to help a big=league club.’’
