:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59057533/usa_today_10321227.0.jpg)
Cole Ragans, the Texas Ranger’s first round draft pick in 2016 and one of the top pitching prospects in the organization, was lifted from the game he was pitching in today and is getting an MRI on his left elbow, according to Jeff Wilson on Twitter.
This is ominous news, as Ragans had a very strong year for Spokane in 2017, and appeared on track to be in low-A Hickory to start the 2018 season. The lefty is someone who is seen, along with Hans Crouse, as being part of the exciting wave of young pitchers in the lower minors who have impact potential.
The fear is, of course, that there is UCL damage that will require Tommy John surgery. If Ragans does need surgery, it would mean he’s out until probably May, 2019. That’s not an insurmountable setback, but it is definitely a major setback, and would be bad news for the Rangers.
UPDATE — Evan Grant has a full story on the situation here.