SF Giants: Tyler Beede Progressing from Tommy John Surgery

The SF Giants got some encouraging news on Monday as pitcher Tyler Beede took the next step in his comeback from Tommy John surgery.

The SF Giants hurler sustained a sprained UCL and strained flexor tendon in his second Spring Training appearance this year that required Tommy John surgery and put him on the shelf for the 2020 season.

The timing was not great as Beede looked poised to build off of his strong finish in 2019. Last year, the former first-round pick went 5-10 with a 5.07 ERA (5.03 FIP) and 113 strikeouts across 117 frames.

While Beede had battled command issues throughout his major league career, he did show improved command as the season wore on. On top of this, he finished the season on a high note as he recorded a 3.28 ERA with 24 strikeouts in his final five starts down the stretch.

Beede flashed a fastball that sat comfortably in the mid-90’s and paired it with a devastating curveball to generate a healthy 11.2 percent swinging-strike rate:

The hope was that he could bring this momentum into the 2020 season, but nature had a different plan in mind.

That said, the 27-year-old does appear to be making progress in his rehab:

Throwing on flat ground is a big step in Beede building back up arm strength. The typical recovery time spans 12-18 months, but it does seem like pitchers have been returning closer to that one-year mark as the rehab process continues to be refined.

For example, Johnny Cueto had Tommy John surgery in July of 2018 and returned to the major league mound in September of 2019. This included six rehab appearances in the minor leagues as well.

If Beede follows the same trajectory as Cueto, which is not a given, then he might return to Oracle Park by the beginning of May 2021. Though the rehab process should never be rushed, so if it does take longer, then it is with his best interest in mind.

Regardless, the SF Giants will certainly need help in the rotation. Cueto and Logan Webb are the only starting pitchers who are under contract for next season, so there is room for Beede to be added back to the mix.

Hopefully, there are no bumps on his road to recovery, and we get to see his Uncle Charlie return to Oracle Park soon.