Ex-Detroit Tiger prospect Humberto Sanchez apparently underwent Tommy John surgery. Sanchez was traded to the Yankees along with other top pitching prospects Kevin Whelan and Anthony Claggett for Gary Sheffield in early November 2006.
The deal is looking a bit better, now if only Sheffield can come around. Apparently the Yankee’s weren’t so forthcoming with information around Sanchez and this news came out of nowhere to some. From Rotoworld:
The Yankees kept calling Sanchez’s problem inflammation, but it’s no surprise it turned out to be far more serious, especially on the heels of some similar troubles last year in the Tigers organization. The missed season only makes it more likely that his future is in the bullpen, not in the rotation.
Kevin Whelan is pitching for the Trenton Thunder and so far, over 5 innings, has struck out 8, walked none and allowed no runs. Pretty good so far.