Braves prospect right-hander Blake Burkhalter will require season-ending Tommy John surgery.
The Braves confirmed a report from Auburn Daily on Thursday afternoon. “I hate it for him,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “He was doing so well.” The 22-year-old Burkhalter was a second-round pick last year and allowed two runs over his first 4 2/3 innings as a pro. The former Auburn closer was viewed as a possible quick-riser in the Braves’ system, but now he’ll have a long wait before throwing his next pitch in game action.
