A torn ulnar collateral ligament was once a career-ending injury, but pitchers have benefited from Tommy John surgery for years now. Orioles prospect Kyle Brnovich is no different.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2022 and returned to the mound competitively on June 26, 2023. It was a long and difficult process, but Brnovich is better because of it.
“When I originally found out, it was definitely tough news and just not what you want to hear,” he said on Glenn Clark Radio May 23. “… It’s an interesting thing because a lot of guys now are just jumping right to it, and it’s just a long process to go through. You get out what you put in.”
Since coming back from surgery, Brnovich has seen an increase in fastball velocity and added a two-seam fastball and slider to his repertoire.
This development has directly aided his on-field production. This season, Brnovich has recorded a 3.79 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 11.61 strikeouts per nine innings in nine appearances, primarily as a reliever, for Double-A Bowie entering play on May 30.
“Now that we’re kind of getting into the course of the season, my velocity is still up from where I was pre-surgery,” he said, “but I’m still not completely satisfied with where I’ve been.”
Brnovich also said he found another level of appreciation for baseball during his time away, which has helped him with the mental aspect of the game.
“While I was in that time off, it really helps you realize like you don’t get too high, you don’t get too low,” he said. “You’re going to have rough outings, you’re going to have great outings, but it’s those outings in between where you really direct the course of the season.”
Some of the most famous Tommy John success stories include Jacob deGrom — who like Brnovich underwent surgery when he was in the minor leagues — and Justin Verlander. Both won the Cy Young Award after successfully rehabbing from the surgery.
However, Tommy John surgery carries risks and the recovery process is grueling. For example, Orioles pitcher John Means, who had the surgery in 2022, recently suffered another setback. deGrom underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time in 2023.
While Tommy John surgery has gotten plenty of pitchers back to the top of their game, that is no guarantee. Brnovich has avoided extensive setbacks in his recovery process, but a 14-month hiatus still has its effects.
“Ultimately, a lot of it is I took 14 months off from the traveling, the playing every day, the grind of it all,” he said, “so right now it’s just trying to get back into the rhythm of things and kind of callus the body and just get ready to go.”
Originally acquired in the Dylan Bundy deal in 2019, Brnovich has been thrust into a new situation this year. After being a starting pitcher throughout high school, college and pro ball, he has started in just three games this season.
While Brnovich is still settling in and trying to find a routine, the clock is ticking on the 26-year-old, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to move up.
“Ultimately, I’m whatever is needed,” he said. “Whatever it takes to get to the next level.”
For more from Brnovich, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Joe Noyes