Hayden Birdsong Diagnosed With UCL Sprain, Grade 2 Forearm Strain

"While the exact timeline for Birdsong's return to action won't be known until the right-hander makes a decision on his treatment plan, fans in San Francisco should expect him to be out for at the very least months after this diagnosis, if not much longer. As Pavlovic notes, Birdsong's diagnosis is often one that ends in Tommy John surgery."

"It's a frustrating turn of events for Birdsong and the Giants, as the former top prospect is still just 24 years old and was one of the club's top depth arms behind their starting five. Birdsong struggled badly with his command this spring, a trend that began last season, but has never wanted for velocity."

"He sports a career 4.77 ERA with a similar 4.81 FIP in the majors, but has shown flashes of excellence at times. That includes a 2.37 ERA and 3.50 FIP in his first 14 appearances last year, split between 11 relief appearances and three starts totaling 38 innings of work altogether."

Giants right-hander Hayden Birdsong underwent an MRI revealing a Grade 2 forearm strain and UCL sprain. He is evaluating treatment options and seeking a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister. The diagnosis typically leads to Tommy John surgery, which would eliminate the entire 2026 season and potentially part of 2027. Alternatively, if he pursues rehabilitation, he could potentially return later this year. At 24 years old, Birdsong was a top prospect and key depth arm for San Francisco. Despite command struggles this spring and last season, he maintains high velocity at 97mph. He showed promise with a 2.37 ERA in 14 appearances last year and impressed in his latest spring outing with a scoreless inning.

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