SF Giants hard-throwing reliever undergoes Tommy John surgery
The SF Giants announced on Wednesday that right-handed relief pitcher Cole Waites (preseason Giants #26 prospect) has undergone reconstructive surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow (a.k.a Tommy John surgery). His rehab timeline is expected to keep him off the field for 12-16 months, making it likely that he will miss the entire 2024 season. This is Waites' second-career UCL surgery.
SF Giants reliever Cole Waites throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (2022)
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The news caps off a rough season for Waites, who was expected to be a key contributor in the Giants bullpen this season. He ultimately made just three MLB appearances this season, allowing five runs across 2.1 innings pitched. He also struggled at Triple-A, posting a 6.16 ERA with 27 walks and 32 strikeouts in 30.2 innings pitched (32 appearances).
Waites made his big-league debut with the Giants last season and became the first player drafted under amateur scouting director Michael Holmes to reach the majors with the Giants. San Francisco had selected Waites in the 18th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of the University of West Alabama.
Waites had first undergone UCL surgery in 2019 and did not return to the mound until more than halfway through the 2021 season. However, once he did, he dominated the lower minors.
In 2022, Waites shot through the minor leagues, racking up 76 strikeouts in 41.2 innings pitched between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A with a 1.94 ERA. After receiving his call up in September, he made seven appearances and allowed just two runs in 5.2 innings.
The timing of Waites' injury could spell trouble for his status on the 40-man roster. San Francisco would be able to place him on the 60-day injured list next season, but that is not available to teams during the offseason. With Waites unlikely to contribute until 2025, he could be a non-tender candidate the SF Giants attempt to re-sign on a two-year minor league contract.
