TAMPA – Chase Hampton’s season is over before it even started.
One of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects, Hampton underwent Tommy John surgery Friday morning, which will sideline him at least until next year in a brutal blow for the 23-year-old right-hander.
Hampton suffered a flexor strain last spring that kept him out until July before his season was cut short by a groin strain.
He then showed up to his second big league camp this month believing he was healthy, but experienced discomfort after a bullpen session last Friday and was diagnosed with another flexor strain.
He flew to New York on Wednesday to get tests done on his UCL, which ultimately revealed a tear that required surgery.
“On some level, there’s a little relief for him just because he’s dealt with things the last year,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s really talented and has got a chance to be a really good pitcher and this doesn’t stop that. This just puts a pause on it.
“But I think in his mind, dealing with some of the things he’s had to deal with over the last year-plus, I think there’s a little bit of, ‘Let’s get fixed and get back on the trail.’ Hopefully there’s a little comfort in knowing that he has a chance now to put this behind him.
“Long road back, but doesn’t change what a talented guy he is.”
Hampton, the Yankees’ sixth-round pick in 2022, was widely considered a Top 100 prospect at this time last year before the injury-laden season.
Still, he entered this spring as the Yankees’ No. 7 prospect according to Baseball America.
Losing Hampton takes one potential starting depth option away from the Yankees for when they will inevitably need to tap into this year.
