Jesus Luzardo Has Tommy John Surgery

Florida high school lefthander Jesus Luzardo had Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. Luzardo’s surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews.

“Jesus had a very successful Tommy John surgery, for his throwing elbow and as an elite thrower, we expect a speedy recovery and a short interruption in his baseball career,” Dr. Andrews said in a statement.

Luzardo had significant helium this spring, with his fastball sitting in the low 90s and touching as high as 97. Prior to this spring, the southpaw was known among the amateur scouting community for his excellent pitchability and offspeed stuff. His velocity increase had put him in first-round consideration.

“While I am disappointed that I suffered this injury, I believe God has a plan for me,” Luzardo said in a statement. “Now that surgery is over with, I am focused on the rehab program and following the exact plan that Dr. Andrews has laid out for me so I can get back on the mound better than ever and continue to chase my dream of becoming a top MLB pitcher in the future.”

Luzardo informed scouts of his injury on March 3. Since the injury, scouts have expressed significant interest in Luzardo, and he could still be selected early in the draft.