The Boston Red Sox's pitching staff is currently stretched thin — maybe to the greatest extent in recent memory.
In mid-March, reliever Chris Murphy was diagnosed with ulnar collateral ligament damage. It was initially uncertain if the left-hander would need surgery or not, but Murphy's season was in jeopardy, regardless.
The Red Sox revealed that Murphy underwent Tommy John surgery on the afternoon of April 10, which officially ends his season.
Murphy's elbow troubles came to light during spring training so he never played a game for either Boston or Worcester at the start of the season. Murphy sat in injured-list-limbo, waiting for a final decision on whether or not he would need the season-ending procedure to fix his UCL.
Red Sox reliever Chris Murphy underwent Tommy John surgery after weeks on the IL
LHP Chris Murphy today underwent a successful reconstruction of the left ulnar collateral ligament (elbow).
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 10, 2024
Dr. Keith Meister performed the surgery at Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery in Arlington, Texas.
The southpaw split his 2023 season between Triple-A and the big leagues. Murphy made 15 appearances with the Woo Sox, which include nine starts. He pitched to a less-than-ideal 6.32 ERA and he allowed 37 earned runs and seven homers. He fanned 61 batters in 52.2 innings, though.
Murphy had much more success as a reliever in the big leagues. He logged a 4.91 ERA over 47.2 innings pitched, struck out 49 batters and gave up 17 walks.
Murphy's spring training performances were good enough to potentially earn him a spot on the big-league roster. Boston is short on left-handed pitching and Murphy would've been among its more reliable options.
But, until next season when Murphy returns, the Sox will have to work with Joely Rodríguez, Lucas Luetge and Brennan Bernardino as their lefties.