Daniel

Klein

Klein, who has season-ending shoulder surgery last August, will likely be sidelined for the entire 2012 season. The 23-year-old right-hander has an impressive 0.93 ERA and 47/7 K/BB ratio over his first 38 2/3 innings in the minors, but his future is already looking murky.

Too bad. Klein was a third-round pick out of UCLA in 2010 and posted a 0.93 ERA and 47/7 K/BB ratio over his first 38 2/3 innings in pro ball, but he hasn’t pitched since 2011 due to shoulder problems.

Klein didn’t pitch at all last season and now figures to get a late start in 2013. The 24-year-old right-hander recently received a cortisone shot and isn’t ready to resume throwing. He has a 0.93 ERA and 47/7 K/BB ratio over his first 38 2/3 pro innings, but it’s difficult to take him seriously as a prospect right now.

Klein has battled shoulder problems all season while making just 16 total relief appearances. He’s an immensely talented young pitcher, but the shoulder issues have already delayed his rise through the O’s system.

Klein, who was selected in the third round of last year’s draft, was shut down in early June with a sore right shoulder. He was recently diagnosed with a small SLAP (superior labrum from anterior to posterior) tear in his shoulder, but the team feels he can rehab the injury. The 22-year-old right-hander has a 0.93 ERA and 47/7 K/BB ratio over his first 38 2/3 innings as a pro. He’s one of the top pitching prospects in the O’s organization now that Zach Britton has graduated to the major leagues.

The surgery will be performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum. Klein, who was selected in the third round of last year’s draft, was shut down in June with a SLAP (superior labrum from anterior to posterior) tear in his shoulder. The 23-year-old right-hander has an impressive 0.93 ERA and 47/7 K/BB ratio over his 38 2/3 innings as a pro, but his road to the big leagues is about to get a lot tougher.