Detroit Tigers righthander Artie Lewicki will have Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2019 season, according to reports. He had been placed on the 10 day disabled list retroactive to August 14, with inflammation in his right elbow.
The surgery will be the second Tommy John procedure for the 26-year-old righty. The surgery has a typical recovery time of 12 to 15 months, meaning that he is sure to miss the entire 2019 season. He spent the 2018 season bouncing between Triple-A Toledo and Detroit. He made a dozen starts in the minor leagues with three starts and 10 relief appearances for the Tigers.
Lewicki’s last game was on August 14, when he was given a spot start against the Chicago White Sox. He pitched 4 2⁄3 innings, giving up three runs on six hits and three walks. In 39 innings of work for Detroit, he posted a 4.89 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 14 walks. He made 12 appearances for Toledo, all starting assignments.
Lewicki will remain on the disabled list, and on the major league roster, for the remainder of the 2018 season. He can be moved to the 60 day disabled list if the club needs his spot on the 40-man roster. An injured player can not be optioned, but he does not have to be given a contract for the 2019 season. Quite often, injured players are designated for assignment, released, and re-signed to a minor league contract. More often, they are granted free agency.
Lewicki was drafted by the Tigers in the eighth round of the 2014 amateur draft from the University of Virginia. He made his major league debut in 2017.