Reliever Zack Kelly Will Undergo Surgery
Red Sox right-handed reliever Zack Kelly will undergo surgery on his right elbow to reattach the ulnar nerve, according to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live.
Kelly’s return date is still uncertain, with Red Sox manager Alex Cora only stating that Kelly is out “for a while.” Over the weekend, the 28-year-old was moved to the 60-day injured list.
Kelly is no stranger to elbow issues, having undergone Tommy John surgery in 2020 after tearing the UCL in his right arm. While this is not Tommy John Surgery, he will still be out for the foreseeable future, and it remains to be seen if he’ll pitch again this year.
When Did The Injury Occur?
In the bottom of the fifth inning last week, Kelly, who was on in relief for starter Chris Sale, threw a pitch to designated hitter Yandy Diaz for the Rays. Kelly appeared in pain when he threw the pitch, began covering his eyes, and kneeled on the mound while holding his right elbow. He would be escorted off the field by trainers and manager Alex Cora and later placed on the 60-day DL.
Kelly was named to Boston’s Opening Day roster for the first time in his career and was playing in his first full season in the major leagues. He had a 1.35 ERA through his first five appearances of 2023 before the game last Wednesday against Tampa Bay.
