Pitcher returns from elbow surgery, starts this week

A right-handed pitcher recovering from Tommy John surgery could return to the rotation as soon as Friday. Team officials said Monday that the pitcher starting against the Rays in The Bronx was on the table. The pitcher has not started for the team since the 2024 postseason after undergoing elbow surgery in spring training last year.

The pitcher has completed six minor league rehab starts, including the most recent outing for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

In that start the pitcher threw 84 pitches over 5 1/3 innings, allowed one run and reached 99 mph. Officials said the pitcher looked really good and finished strong with more competition in mind. Over the weekend officials indicated a rookie right-hander would likely make a fourth start, but the team optioned the 22-year-old to Triple-A on Monday.

Officials said the move was made to add an arm to the bullpen after a tough series and called up a hard-throwing right-handed reliever.

Without the rookie, the team will need a starter for Friday.

Officials said the decision will involve the coaching and training staffs, the pitcher and the front office. "We just want to do the right thing," an official said. "What's the right timing? Whatever we do, it's with the long game in mind. A need in the rotation doesn't necessarily mean we're bringing him back.

" An American League scout who attended the most recent start said the pitcher looked like himself and that the team could use him. The team has won 94 games last season and received strong starting pitching early this year despite the absence of the pitcher.

The team has seen other starters develop into reliable options while the pitcher has been out. Officials said the next question is when or how soon the pitcher will return to previous performance levels.