SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Giants were hoping this would be Tyler Beede's breakout season, and early in camp he looked well equipped to take the next step. But Beede is dealing with what could potentially be a significant setback.
Beede had an MRI on Tuesday night that revealed he has a flexor strain and UCL sprain in his right elbow. The Giants are gathering additional opinions and announced that they would have more information later in the week, but the initial report certainly was not what they were hoping for. At the very least, Beede will miss a large portion of the 2020 season.
Beede met with reporters shortly after the announcement and was in good spirits. Along with the training staff, he is working to pick a doctor to see later this week. The Giants will have no timetable until that second opinion is given.
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"You know, obviously I had my down moment last night where I was kind of bummed out," Beede said. "But it's more so that I need to get this right. It's a bummer, but I think the initial report of not having to get surgery is encouraging to me. I want to be ready to go at some point this season but I want to have a healthy career. And so it's just about getting this right."
Beede said he first felt something was wrong about a week and a half ago after a live BP session. His elbow tightened up a bit that night and he got treatment, but he felt it was normal spring soreness. During Tuesday's appearance, Beede didn't feel great in the bullpen and could tell something was wrong when he was on the mound. His outing was cut short and he had an MRI and got examined by team orthopedist Dr. Ken Akizuki, who determined that three-quarters of his ligament is fine.
That was encouraging news.
The flexor strain is the main concern right now, but that can sometimes be rehabbed without having Tommy John surgery. Matt Cain, for example, had a flexor strain at the end of camp in 2015 but made it back to the mound by July.
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"Obviously I want to be out there as soon as possible but I want to have the big picture mindset too," Beede said. "It's important for me to take some time so down the road I don't have any issues with this."
Beede had a 5.08 ERA in 24 appearances as a rookie but was dominant at times and has had a strong start to the spring, running his fastball up to 96-97 regularly. He was expected to be the Giants' fifth starter out of camp, especially with Logan Webb likely being on an innings limit.
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Manager Gabe Kapler said the Giants still have plenty of rotation depth, but acknowledged this is a blow.
"I think it introduces some new exciting competition and I think some guys will embrace it as such," Kapler said.