Hayden Birdsong just can’t catch a break. After showing signs of improvement with his control, the San Francisco Giants’ promising pitcher now faces a serious injury that clouds his immediate future.
Birdsong, the 196th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, worked his way through the Giants’ minor league system before making his Major League debut in 2024. His early promise earned him a spot in the bullpen, but his first full season didn’t meet expectations for either Birdsong or manager Tony Vitello.
- In 21 starts during the 2025 season, Birdsong posted:
- 65.2 innings pitched
- 4-4 record
- 4.80 ERA
- 61 hits allowed
- 42 runs surrendered
- 37 walks
After a challenging offseason with pitching coach Justin Meccage, Birdsong appeared poised for improvement-until his latest setback.
MRI results confirm UCL tear
On Sunday, the Giants announced that Birdsong suffered a Grade II tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. “Certainly not the best-case scenario,” admitted Vitello.
Birdsong, for his part, admitted he wasn’t happy with the MRI results, “But I feel like it’s one of those things where everybody kind of goes through at this point.”
I wish it wasn’t right now. I wish I could throw a couple of seasons before something like this happens. Hopefully, it’s not as bad as we think it is.
The injury occurred during a Cactus League game against the Guardians. While Birdsong currently feels stable, surgery looms as a likely outcome.
Tommy John surgery on the horizon
Medical specialists note that this type of injury often leads to Tommy John surgery. Birdsong will travel to Dallas for a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister, but the outlook remains grim.
Although the injury doesn’t immediately prevent him from pitching, continuing without surgery could worsen the damage. Rehabilitation is an option, but most pitchers with this diagnosis eventually undergo surgery.
Vitello explained that Birdsong will take a few days before deciding on his next step.
Read the full article here
