The Giants have revealed that right-handed pitcher Hayden Birdsong is set to undergo Tommy John surgery next week. This procedure means he’ll miss the entire 2026 season and part of 2027. Alex Pavlovic from NBC Sports Bay Area shared this news.
While this is tough for Birdsong and the Giants, it’s not entirely unexpected. Recently, he had been dealing with elbow pain and sought a second opinion. Doctors diagnosed him with a forearm strain and a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament. After weighing his options, surgery became the clear choice.
Before this setback, Birdsong was expected to be a key depth starter for the Giants. The team’s projected starting lineup includes Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Tyler Mahle, Adrian Houser, and Landen Roupp. With the unpredictable nature of injuries in baseball, teams often require around a dozen starters throughout the season. Birdsong’s absence adds pressure on the remaining depth options, including Carson Seymour, Carson Whisenhunt, and Blade Tidwell.
If he lands on the 60-day injured list, Birdsong will still receive a full year’s service time and salary. This is a small consolation, but it’s better than being a frequently reassigned minor leaguer.
Recovery from Tommy John surgery typically takes about 14 months or more. This means Birdsong’s return may align with the middle of the 2027 season. Notably, both Ray and Mahle are set to become free agents after 2026, which opens up potential rotation spots. The Giants could either promote from within or explore trade options to fill these gaps.
Birdsong is just 24 and still has a lot of potential. Despite a career 4.77 ERA, he caught attention as a promising prospect, ranking as high as #42 on FanGraphs during the 2024 season. He had an impressive 2.51 ERA in the minors but struggled in Triple-A with a 6.23 ERA in 2025. His upcoming rehab will be crucial for his future.
In 2021, Tommy John surgery became a hot topic in baseball as many pitchers faced similar fates. The trend highlights the intense strain on pitchers and the increasing reliance on advanced training and rehabilitation techniques. Given the rise in injuries, experts emphasize the importance of preventive care. According to recent research from MLB, about 25% of pitchers undergo this surgery, illustrating its prevalence in the sport.
Birdsong’s journey will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike. His recovery could influence the Giants’ future dynamics, either in the lineup or through potential roster shifts.
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