Ricky Vanasco to have Tommy John surgery

Texas Rangers pitcher Ricky Vanasco will be having Tommy John surgery, it was announced today. Surgery would sideline Vanasco for the entirety of 2021.

Vanasco, a 21 year old righthander, had a breakout 2019 season. Starting the year in Spokane, Vanasco put up a 1.85 ERA in 39 innings over 9 starts before being promoted to low-A Hickory, where he allowed 2 earned runs in 10.2 IP over 2 starts. In 49.2 IP, he struck out 75 batters against 25 walks, giving up just 2 home runs.

This is a disappointing blow for Vanasco, who had been working at the Alternate Training Site and seemed to be well positioned to potentially be in Down East or Frisco in 2021. Instead, he will be rehabbing, but would seem to be on track to be ready to go to start the 2022 season.