:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59732885/usa_today_10784909.0.jpg)
There’s good news, there’s bad news, and then there’s this piece of information that will quickly turn any Angels fan into a grumpy curmudgeon.
MEDICAL UPDATE: Keynan Middleton underwent an MRI earlier today that revealed damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. He will get a second opinion in the near future, and we will provide an update at an appropriate time.
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) May 14, 2018
Keynan Middleton, one of the Angels few breakout players and star relief piece this season, has damage to the UCL in his throwing elbow.
We don’t know the level of damage that has been sustained and likewise, we do not know how much time he will be out, but that doesn’t make it any worse for a team that still has 122 games left to go in not only a race to the finish, but also a battle of attrition. Any mention of an injury to a ligament in a throwing elbow is never good news.
In sixteen appearances this season, Middleton threw 17.2 innings with a 2.04 ERA and 3.77 FIP, a 8.15 K/9, 4.58 BB/9, and a wipeout pitch mix that goes toe-to-toe with most pitchers in the league.
For now, though, Keynan Middleton won’t be able to wipe out any opposing hitters. Let us hope the road to recovery is sooner than later.
As for the Angels? Well, they could use some bullpen help.