Miguel Sano set for Tommy John Surgery

Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; World infielder Miguel Sano at bat during the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins’ Miguel Sano was shut down early this winter with elbow discomfort, but after rest and rehab, he entered camp with no pain in his elbow. Then, after making a throw on Thursday, his elbow pain came back. Discomfort remained on Friday, and Saturday morning it was announced he needs Tommy John Surgery and will be out all of 2014.

Sano, widely considered a top prospect in baseball, hit 35 home runs over two levels in 2013 after improving from 20 to 28 long balls between 2011 and 2012. The Dominican product is still not old enough to drink legally in the states but has already been featured in one documentary, Ballplayer: Pelotero, with another in the works.

Sano’s strikeout rate rose after being promoted to Doubld-A, but he has rare 80 grade power potential, with perhaps only Chicago Cubs prospects Javier Baez and Kris Bryant projected to have more power.

Sano was expected to start the season back with Double-A New Britian, where there was a chance he could have teamed with the top prospect in all of baseball, Byron Buxton, to form the most exciting team in the minor leagues to watch play. He has been working with former Twin, Paul Molitor, to improve his defense at third base. While his defense has been getting better, he still may someday end up across the diamond at first base.

Regardless, all Minor League Baseball fans are saddened today knowing it will be another full year before we get the chance to see Sano back on a ballfield.