Boston — As expected for weeks, Red Sox lefty Chris Murphy had Tommy John surgery on Wednesday and will miss the whole 2024 season.
Murphy, who was sidelined during spring training due to severe ligament damage in his pitching elbow, “underwent a successful reconstruction of the left ulnar collateral ligament” at the Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery in Arlington, Texas, according to the Red Sox. Dr. Keith Meister conducted the surgery. Murphy had expected surgery since the injury occurred a week before Opening Day. He flew to Texas this week to get a second opinion and confirm the diagnosis.
Murphy is expected to be out until the 2025 season as well. He is the second Red Sox pitcher to have elbow surgery this season, after Lucas Giolito (internal brace treatment).
Murphy, 25, was in camp to compete for a major league bullpen job after making his debut in 2023. On Tuesday, manager Alex Cora stated that the Red Sox anticipated the former sixth-round pick to contribute all season.
“(He was going) to be a big part of us,” Cora added. “A lefty who can pitch multiple innings and strike out righties. Last year, he did an excellent job recruiting righties. Velocity was nice, but pitchability was excellent. He was going to take part in this.”
Murphy performed well in a mass relief job last season, compiling a 1.59 ERA in 28 ⅓ innings from June 7 (his major league debut) to July 30. He subsequently struggled in August, giving up six earned runs in two consecutive appearances, before shifting to a different role in September, pitching in shorter intervals. He concluded the season with a 4.91 ERA in 47 ⅔ innings. He limited left-handed batters to a.673 OPS. At Triple-A, he posted a 6.32 ERA in 52 ⅔ innings across 15 games (9 starts).