Mar 15, 2024; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Tiedemann (70) throws a pitch in the first inning of the spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Left-hander Ricky Tiedemann, who MLB Pipeline rates as the No. 1 prospect in the Blue Jays’ organization, needs Tommy John surgery, Toronto manager John Schneider told reporters Saturday.
Tiedemann is set to undergo the procedure on Tuesday after meeting with Dr. Keith Meister and Dr. Neal ElAttrache. It is expected that Tiedemann will miss 12 to 14 months, meaning that his 2025 season is also at risk.
Injuries have hampered Tiedemann all season, with ulnar nerve inflammation in his left elbow landing him on the seven-day injured list back in April before left forearm tightness put him on the shelf earlier this month.
Tiedemann, 21, has cruised through the Blue Jays’ farm system this season, starting the year with Toronto’s affiliate in the rookie-level Florida Complex League before moving on to Class-A Dunedin and Triple-A Buffalo.
In eight starts across those three levels of the minors, Tiedemann went 0-1 with a 5.19 ERA.
The Blue Jays selected Tiedemann in the third round of the 2021 draft.
–Field Level Media
The Toronto Blue Jays’ top prospect, left-handed pitcher Ricky Tiedemann, is facing a major setback in his career as he will undergo Tommy John surgery. This news was confirmed by Toronto manager John Schneider, who stated that Tiedemann needs the surgery to address injuries that have been plaguing him throughout the season.
Tiedemann, who is rated as the No. 1 prospect in the Blue Jays’ organization by MLB Pipeline, is scheduled to undergo the procedure on Tuesday after consultations with renowned doctors in the field. The recovery period for Tommy John surgery typically ranges from 12 to 14 months, putting Tiedemann’s 2025 season in jeopardy as well.
Injuries have been a recurring issue for Tiedemann this season, with issues in his left elbow and forearm forcing him to spend time on the injured list. Despite these setbacks, the 21-year-old pitcher has shown promise as he progressed through the Blue Jays’ farm system, starting from the rookie-level Florida Complex League and making his way up to Triple-A Buffalo.
During his time in the minors, Tiedemann made eight starts and posted a 5.19 ERA, showcasing his potential as a future asset for the Blue Jays. He was drafted by Toronto in the third round of the 2021 draft, and his development has been closely monitored by the organization.
Although this setback is a significant blow to Tiedemann’s career, the Blue Jays remain optimistic about his long-term prospects and are committed to supporting him through his recovery process. The team will continue to monitor his progress and provide updates on his rehabilitation as he works towards returning to the field in the future.
