Kyle Zimmer Underwent Shoulder Surgery Tuesday

Kyle Zimmer was seemingly never healthy all season. After being sidelined with a sore shoulder during Spring Training, Zimmer was unable to get back to the mound until September, when he pitched all of 4.2 innings for the Idaho Falls Chukars. While he had a 1.93 ERA and struck out five batters, Zimmer also allowed five hits and four walks. It was hoped that, as he was going to spend time in the Arizona Fall League, that he would be able to regain that form which made him one of the Royals top pitching prospects.

It certainly appeared as though Zimmer was on his way to doing so. In his second outing in the AFL, Zimmer struck out ten batters over his five innings of work, and looked once again like the prospect that could come up and be a future star for the Royals. Then, in his third outing, Zimmer left after an inning when he once again injured his shoulder.

Now, it has been revealed that Kyle Zimmer had surgery on that shoulder yesterday, removing damaged tissue. With the procedure, it is now uncertain as to whether or not Zimmer will be ready by the start of next season, let alone Spring Training. At best, it appears as though Zimmer will have another season where his start is delayed.

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It is easy to second guess the Royals medical staff at this point, as they had Zimmer rest and rehab his shoulder ailment last season. However, when it was beginning to be clear that such a plan of attack was not truly working, other steps should have been taken. With Zimmer having the same issues with that shoulder now, it seems as though this was a matter of time.

If healthy, there is no denying the talent that Kyle Zimmer possesses. Armed with a mid 90’s fastball, an excellent curve and a solid changeup, Zimmer would likely be the top prospect for quite a few teams around the majors. He certainly appears to be the type of pitcher that could end up as a top of the rotation starter.

However, there is that caveat of health. Now, as Kyle Zimmer appears as though he will miss time for the fourth consecutive year due to injury, it is fair to wonder if he will ever stay healthy. At this point, the odds certainly do not seem to be in favor of that happening.

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