Alex Reyes Injury: Updates on Cardinals P's Recovery from Tommy John Surgery

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Alex Reyes is dealing with a partial tear in his pitching elbow that will require Tommy John surgery, ending his season.

Continue for updates. 

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Reyes to Undergo Surgery

Wednesday, Feb. 15

Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak confirmed to reporters that Reyes will need to undergo Tommy John surgery:

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Losing Reyes Is Big Blow to Cardinals

The 22-year-old Reyes was named the best right-handed pitching prospect in Major League Baseball heading in to 2017, per MLB.com. 

After starting last season in Triple-A, Reyes was called up to the big leagues August 9 when Michael Wacha was placed on the disabled list. Reyes made 12 appearances, including five starts, and posted a 1.57 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 46 innings. 

Reyes has been scheduled to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic set to begin on March 6, but it's unclear now if he will still be able to participate in the event.

Per the Cardinals' official depth chart, Reyes is listed as their No. 5 starter heading into the season. They do have depth with Wacha, Adam Wainwright, Carlos Martinez, Mike Leake and the return of Lance Lynn after he missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery. 

Based on Reyes' age and promise, he is a huge part of the Cardinals pitching staff heading into 2017. Any injury, especially to his pitching elbow, is going to raise immediate red flags.

The Cardinals are equipped to handle Reyes' injury from a depth perspective, but losing their best prospect on the cusp of stardom will be a difficult pill to swallow.