Atlanta Braves Outfielder Nick Markakis and Other Necks

May 9, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop

(19) tags out Chicago Cubs center fielder

(51) at second base after a steal attempt during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Kalish:

Ryan Kalish began his career in Boston, where he tore through the minor leagues, even breaking Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list in 2008. No stranger to injury, Kalish suffered many of them throughout his early career, including a labrum tear and a broken wrist. These injuries halted his star potential, but his neck fusion surgery in August of 2013 marked the end of the road for him in Boston.

Kalish began the 2014 season on the Major League roster for the Chicago Cubs as a 4^th outfielder, but appeared in only 57 games, slashing a mediocre .248/.295/.347. With a laundry list of injuries, it’s unfair to insinuate that the neck injury has effectively ruined the career of the still just 26 Kalish, but being released from his minor league contract with the Blue Jays before Spring Training even began in 2015 isn’t a positive sign.

Kalish, like Duncan, had his surgery performed in August and was ready to start the following Spring Training.

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