Report: Top Red Sox Prospect Jason Groome to Undergo Tommy John Surgery

Jason Groome, the top pitching prospect in the Boston Red Sox's farm system, will reportedly undergo Tommy John surgery in the next two weeks, according to Sean McAdam of Boston Sports Journal.

Groome is ranked as the No. 85 prospect in minor league baseball by MLB.com and the second-ranked prospect in Boston's farm system behind only third baseman Michael Chavis (No. 78 overall).

Groome, 19, made 14 starts between Single-A Greenville and short-season Lowell last season, going 3-9 with a 5.69 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 72 strikeouts in 55.1 innings. His 2017 campaign was cut short by a flexor strain in his elbow—which also caused him to start this year on the disabled list—and an intercostal strain.

His injury history is becoming a concern, and losing an entire developmental year is a tough setback. Groome was highly regarded in the 2012 draft, ultimately going No. 12 overall to the Red Sox, but he's yet to live up to that potential. Nonetheless, the potential is there. 

MLB.com wrote:

"Though Groome averaged 4.9 walks per nine innings in his first two seasons as a pro, his athleticism and clean delivery bode well for his ability to provide more strikes in the future. His 6'6" frame lends itself to durability and creating tough downhill plane on his pitches. Despite his rocky introduction to pro ball, he still has the upside of a frontline starter."

According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, "Groome looked outstanding in spring training. In March games, he showed an easy low-to-mid-90s fastball, a hammer of a curveball and an impressive changeup."

His durability may be called into question more given his pending Tommy John surgery, but Groome certainly looks the part of a future MLB starting pitcher if he can remain on the mound.