The Pirates announced Thursday afternoon that Chad Kuhl underwent Tommy John surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, a procedure that typically requires 14 to 16 months for recovery.
Todd Tomczyk the Pirates' director of sports medicine, told reporters Wednesday afternoon that Kuhl was having surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, however, he would not reveal any other details until after the 26-year-old starting pitcher woke up from surgery.
Kuhl, who suffered what the Pirates called a right forearm strain June 26 at Citi Field, experienced a setback throwing a bullpen last week in St. Louis. He was re-examined by Dr. David Altchek earlier Wednesday and surgery was recommended. He tweeted a picture and note Thursday morning thanking friends, family and fans for support.
"The decision was obviously very difficult as I tried to use conservative management with little to no improvement," Kuhl wrote. "I feel confident moving forward that I'll be pitching in the major leagues again."
#letsgobucs pic.twitter.com/diVHdRPAVW
— Chad Kuhl (@KuhlWhhip_11) September 20, 2018
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