Tigers Former No. 1 Overall Pick To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

The Detroit Tigers' biggest fears have been realized. After being shut down earlier this week for another medical opinion, former No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize will now be heading for Tommy John surgery.

The ligament is not torn but it has been stretched to the point it’s lost elasticity https://t.co/52fFt9BI2A
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) June 10, 2022

As reported by Tigers' beat reporter Chris McCosky, although Mize's elbow ligament is not torn, "it has been stretched to the point it's lost elasticity."

Mize had been out since mid-April, with what had been called a sprained elbow ligament. He had continued to feel soreness while throwing from 90 feet this past week, so he was advised to shut it down until they get another medical evaluation.

Manager AJ Hinch said “I’m very sad for Casey and for all the work he’s put in,” Hinch said. “But I think having resolution to this is the No. 1 key."

Now 25, Mize was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 June Draft. Last season, he had a 3.71 ERA in 30 starts for the Tigers, and hopes were high that his top prospect degree was about to be realized.

Now, he'll likely miss not only the rest of this season, but likely all of 2023.

Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports