Drew Thorpe's Season Ends Before Starting: Tommy John Surgery Ahead

In yet another significant setback for the Chicago White Sox, right-handed pitching prospect Drew Thorpe is slated to undergo Tommy John surgery, placing him on the sidelines for the foreseeable future. With Dr. Keith Meister performing the operation, Thorpe faces a recovery timeline of 13-15 months, casting a shadow over his immediate future with the team.

The announcement underscores a period fraught with health challenges for the 24-year-old. Following a rookie season truncated by a flexor strain and subsequent surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow, Thorpe's comeback faced hurdles, with a cortisone shot needed in January to address discomfort. His return to the mound was short-lived, as elbow pain during a Spring Training appearance signaled the need for intervention.

Thorpe's journey through the majors has been anything but linear. Drafted by the Yankees in 2022, then traded to the Padres and finally to the White Sox, Thorpe's early promise was evident in his Double-A performances. Despite a rocky transition to MLB play, showcasing a 5.48 ERA across 44.1 innings, his potential remained undiminished. This surgery, however, puts a significant pause on his trajectory, with his next MLB start potentially delayed until mid-2026. Thorpe's absence is noticeable among a group of young pitchers, such as Prelander Berroa, Ky Bush, and Juan Carela, who have also faced the challenges of Tommy John surgery.