Brent Honeywell Elbow Injury Diagnosed as UCL Tear, May Need Tommy John Surgery

A rough offseason for the Tampa Bay Rays has gotten worse with top pitching prospect Brent Honeywell potentially facing Tommy John surgery.

Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Honeywell has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, and Tommy John surgery is recommended.

Honeywell noted he will seek a second opinion but intends to have the procedure done "as soon as possible," per Topkin.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Thursday that Honeywell suffered a strained right forearm after throwing approximately 10 pitches during a live batting practice session, per MLB.com's Bill Chastain.

"He was throwing pretty good; he was throwing perfect," Rays catcher Jesus Sucre said. "He threw a changeup first pitch to Wilson [Ramos]. Next pitch [was a fastball and] he was screaming."

Honeywell is ranked as the No. 12 prospect entering 2018, per MLB.com. The right-hander was on the cusp of reaching the big leagues after posting a 3.64 ERA with 152 strikeouts in 123.2 innings over 24 starts at Triple-A Durham last season.