Athlete injuries are as certain as death and taxes. Making use of one’s body to the fullest means taking some damage from time to time. It’s especially disappointing when it happens during the regular season of a sport, not just for the player but for fans as well. The latest sports personality to be afflicted by this issue is Jeffrey Springs, starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Springs has been an important member of the Rays’ lineup but has been on the injured list before. Traded to the team in 2021, he was only able to play for Tampa Bay for a few months. In August of that year, the pitcher underwent season-ending surgery for a torn ACL in his right knee. 2022 was a good year, and the Rays signed on Springs for $31 million for four years in January 2023. However, fans’ hopes have once again been dashed.

Tampa Bay Rays fans react to pitcher’s Tommy John surgery news

On Tuesday, the team placed Springs on the 15-day injured list with a left elbow flexor strain. Now it seems like the condition is much worse and Springs will have to undergo Tommy John surgery. Talkin’ Baseball announced that this will mean the starter will be sidelined for the 2024 season.

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Fan expressed immense disappointment at the news.

One thought Springs was headed toward winning the first Cy Young award of his career.

Some expressed sympathy for the Rays.

One fan remained hopeful for the future.

Springs’ absence will be thoroughly felt in the clubhouse. But now that the Tampa Bay team has to sideline him, do they have other pitching options?

Taj Bradley could take Springs’ place while he recovers

After the starting pitcher was put on the injured list on Tuesday, the Rays decided to bring right-handed pitcher Taj Bradley to the plate. Not only is the young player only 22 years old but is the top prospect in the clubhouse. As expected, gave a spectacular performance against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

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After striking out nine of the 20 batters he faced over 5 1/3 innings, Bradley is making a strong case for himself. The Rays have not made any official announcements regarding either of the players yet. But at the rate he’s going, Bradley could definitely step in for Springs.