Tigers' prized rookie Jackson Jobe to undergo Tommy John surgery

Detroit Tigers rookie right-hander Jackson Jobe will undergo Tommy John surgery, the team announced Wednesday.

Texas Rangers team physician Keith Meister will perform the operation, according to Tigers general manager Jeff Greenberg.

"Obviously, it's really disappointing news," Greenberg said, according to the Detroit News. "I feel for Jackson. Everybody sees the talent. He made a really positive impression on this team in his short time here.

"He's going to work through this. He's a very determined individual. I have no question he's going to work through this process and be a really important contributor for this team for a very long time."

Jobe last pitched for the Tigers against the San Francisco Giants on May 28, when he reported elbow discomfort following the outing. He was placed on the 15-day injured list two days later with a right flexor strain.

"As is standard procedure, we sought additional medical evaluations, and through that evaluation process the UCL injury was also discovered," Greenberg said. "From there, there were a series of conversations between Jackson, the doctors and our medical staff and ultimately surgery was determined as the path."

Surgeries to repair the ulnar collateral ligament typically require a recovery period of 12 to 18 months, so it's possible Jobe will miss the entire 2026 season in addition to the rest of the current campaign.

Jobe, 22, entered this season as Detroit's top pitching prospect.

Jobe went 4-1 with a 4.22 ERA in 10 starts this season for the Tigers. He struck out 39 in 49 innings.

He reached the majors late last season and pitched four shutout innings -- allowing just one hit -- over two relief appearances. He then was asked to relieve twice during the postseason, when he gave up three runs over 1 2/3 innings between a wild-card outing versus Houston and an ALDS appearance against Cleveland.

Jobe was the No. 3 overall selection of the 2021 draft. He was the first high school player picked that year.

Tigers right-hander Casey Mize can empathize with Jobe, as he missed most of the 2022 season and all of the 2023 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

"Obviously, having gone through it, it's a long process, but it's one I know he'll attack," Mize said of Jobe. "But I hate it for him and I hate it for our team. Jackson is a special talent. It's a long road, but I know he's going to work really hard and come out of it better and be ready to help us when he gets back."

--Field Level Media