Home Baseball Feel so bad for Tejay Antone: He has injure problems again, leaves the game after throwing one pitch in the sixth inning against the Mets

Feel so bad for Tejay Antone: He has injure problems again, leaves the game after throwing one pitch in the sixth inning against the Mets

Baseball — 04/08/2024

Tejay Antone has elbow problems again and I am quite sad about it

It’s a pretty awful development.

Share this story

Share this on Facebook (opens in new window)Share this on Twitter (opens in new window)SHAREAll sharing options

Cincinnati Reds v Philadelphia Phillies

During the abbreviated 2020 season and the initial half of 2021, Tejay Antone solidified his position as one of the most exceptional relievers in Major League Baseball. In 69.0 innings, he pitched to a respectable 2.48 ERA, becoming increasingly unhittable as he honed his combination of amazing spin, 98+ degree heat, and a sweeping breaking ball.

Reds' loss to Mets overshadowed by Tejay Antone injury

Then came a trip to Milwaukee in late August, a 75 mph curveball that Brewers first baseman Rowdy Tellez missed wide, and one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever witnessed while covering the Cincinnati Reds. As soon as he finished pitching, Antone winced, waved for the trainers, and left the field, knowing that this would be the second time he would require Tommy John surgery to repair the UCL in his electrifying right arm.

Cincinnati Reds: Tejay Antone Exits Game After One Pitch with Injury, Set To Undergo MRI

He rejoined the Reds in the midst of their playoff push in 2023, just over two full years later, and even though his heater was now thrown three full mph slower, he was still able to retire batters from the outset. But he only managed to play again for a little more than a week before the Reds, who were right to be extremely cautious with him, pulled him on September 13th due to the tiniest discomfort in his surgically repaired elbow.

This reliever will likely join Reds' bullpen after devastating Tejay Antone injury

What we witnessed in the top of the sixth inning today was all the more tragic because of that lengthy, contrived past. After launching an awkward-looking 89-mph dart inside to the Mets hitter at the plate, he winced instantly and left the game surprisingly early for the second time in a row, clearly uncomfortable. According to The Enquirer’s Charlie Goldsmith, Antonio felt something in his elbow and will have an MRI as soon as he can.

Cincinnati Reds Reliever Tejay Antone Exits After One Pitch With An Elbow Injury

The Reds fell 3-1 to the Mets today despite playing terrible defense, giving up back-to-back bunt hits at one point, and leaving a million guys on base despite appearing to be 0 for a billion with RISP. To be honest, everything paled in comparison to what we witnessed with Antone, who, I sincerely hope, does not require extensive surgery on his elbow again.