🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.
San Diego Padres right-handed pitcher Jhony Brito underwent UCL internal brace surgery and a repair of his flexor tendon last month, Padres MLB.com beat writer AJ Cassavell reported.
More news: Yankees Infielder Transported to Hospital in Ambulance After Suffering Horrific Injury
Right-hander Jhony Brito underwent UCL internal brace surgery last month, plus a repair of his flexor tendon. He's out for the season and likely the early part of next year.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) May 13, 2025
Brito, who hasn't pitched this year since early in spring training, will be out for the remainder of the 2025 season, and likely the early part of the 2026 season, per Cassavell.
Brito has been on the 60-day injured list since April 3 with what the team called a right forearm strain. The 27-year-old joined the Padres in December 2023 as part of the Juan Soto trade that sent the superstar slugger to the Yankees.
Brito along with catcher Kyle Higashioka and right-handed pitchers Michael King, Drew Thorpe and Randy Vasquez were sent to the Padres in exchange for Soto and outfielder Trent Grisham.
More news: Yankees Castoff Making New York Regret Giving Up on Him With All-Star Caliber Season
While Thorpe and King were the headliners of the deal, Brito was expected to play a key role in the San Diego bullpen.
Brito appeared in 26 games out of the Padres bullpen last season, sporting a 4.12 ERA across 43.2 innings pitched. He pitched at least two innings in exactly half of his outings (13).
Unfortunately for Brito, he suffered an injury while playing for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas late last season. It was called a right elbow strain, and he was placed on the 60-day IL in September, ending his season.
More news: MLB Power Rankings — Dodgers Fall, Yankees Rise as Surging AL Team Takes Top Spot
Brito was healthy in the beginning of spring training this year, as he made three appearances, sporting a 9.00 ERA over three innings of work. He then suffered the elbow injury and opened the season on the IL, where he's been ever since.
Brito was expected to factor into the Padres bullpen as a long relief option this season. Manager Mike Shildt told reporters in spring training that the right-hander wouldn't be an option for the starting rotation, which needed to fill two spots following Yu Darvish's injury.
Brito is arbitration-eligible beginning in 2027. He's not eligible to reach free agency until 2030. The Padres will hope the right-hander factors into their bullpen equation sometime early in 2026.
More news: Could Rafael Devers Request Trade From Red Sox Amid Drama? MLB Insider Answers
For more MLB news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
About the writer
Noah Camras is a Newsweek contributor based in Los Angeles. His focus is on sports content. Noah has been with Newsweek since March ... Read more