Tommy John surgery will sideline Twins prospect Miguel Sano for season
The Minnesota Twins have two of the best position player prospects in Major League Baseball. Outfielder Byron Buxton sits atop MLB.com’s prospect rankings for 2014, while third baseman Miguel Sano is just below at No. 4.
The Twins have confirmed Sano will be sidelined for the upcoming season after team physicians determined Tommy John surgery would be needed to repair ligament damage in his right elbow.
Assistant GM Rob Antony confirms Miguel Sano will miss the entire 2014 season. Needs eight months of rehab after Tommy John surgery.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) March 1, 2014
Prior to the 2013 season, MLB.com ranked Sano No. 12 on their list of prospects. Then, he went out and produced a .280 average with 30 doubles, 35 home runs, 103 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 123 games between the Advanced-A and Double-A levels.
Similar production at the minor league level this year may have led to an appearance in the big leagues sometime later in the season. Unfortunately, the development and progression of one of baseball’s more talented young players has now been delayed.