Kyle Wright underwent right shoulder surgery this week, expected to miss all of 2024
By Eric Cole
One of the bigger obstacles the Atlanta Braves had to overcome this season was the repeated blows to the depth of their pitching staff. Max Fried missed a bunch of time, Charlie Morton was out for the playoffs after injuring his finger, but the longest standing injury was to Kyle Wright.
Starting back in spring training, Wright's right shoulder has given him trouble all year long. However, it was thought that his most recent return from the IL after a lengthy stay there was a sign that he was turning the corner. However, Wright was consequently left off the postseason roster and placed on the 60 day IL which clued everyone in that something was up. That proved to be accurate as it was announced that Kyle needed shoulder surgery and was likely to miss all of next season as well. Sadly for Wright, that surgery was performed this week so he is officially done for the foreseeable future.
RHP Kyle Wright underwent surgery to repair a torn capsule in his right shoulder on Wednesday, October 11th, performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, TX. He is expected to miss the 2024 season.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 13, 2023
Kyle Wright's shoulder surgery could alter the Braves' offseason plans
We've known since the start of the playoffs that Wright needed shoulder surgery, but the exact procedure he would need wasn't exactly clear. Torn shoulder capsules are a relatively common shoulder injury for pitchers with notable cases including John Danks, Daniel Espino, and Julio Urias.
With Wright out for all of next season and his future in doubt as shoulder surgeries are much more difficult to recover fully from, the Braves are going to have to go into this offseason with a firm plan in place for their pitching staff next season. Spencer Strider is a lock to be back and Max Fried is entering his contract year, but Charlie Morton has an expensive club option for next season and the rest of the rotation is very, very speculative right now.
Unfortunately for the Braves, this is not the most exciting free agent class for starting pitchers, although guys like Sonny Gray, Lucas Giolito, and Jordan Montgomery being pretty interesting options if the Braves want to make a push in free agency.
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