The San Francisco Giants will be without one of their young arms for the foreseeable future as right-hander Hayden Birdsong is set to undergo Tommy John surgery next week.

The news, first reported by Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area and relayed by MLB Trade Rumors, confirms that Birdsong will miss the entire 2026 season and likely a portion of 2027 as well.

While the outcome had been trending in this direction, it still represents a significant blow for both the pitcher and the organization. Birdsong had recently been dealing with elbow discomfort and sought additional medical opinions.

He was ultimately diagnosed with a forearm strain and a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), injuries that often lead to reconstructive surgery.

Before the setback, Birdsong was expected to factor into the Giants’ starting pitching depth. San Francisco is projected to open the season with a rotation that includes Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Tyler Mahle, Adrian Houser, and Landen Roupp.

Given the demands of a full season, however, teams typically rely on far more than five starters. Birdsong had been in line to serve as a key depth option.

With Birdsong sidelined, the Giants will lean more heavily on their remaining depth, including Carson Seymour, Carson Whisenhunt, and Blade Tidwell. The organization could also explore external additions if needed, as the season progresses.

There is at least a minor financial benefit for Birdsong amid the difficult news. Once he is placed on the 60-day Injured List, he will continue to accrue MLB service time and salary throughout his recovery, rather than bouncing between levels as a healthy depth arm.

The recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery typically extends beyond a year, often around 14 months or longer. Even in an optimistic scenario, Birdsong’s return would likely come sometime in the middle of the 2027 campaign.

Still just 24 years old, Birdsong remains an intriguing long-term piece. He has shown flashes of promise in the minors, including a standout 2024 season, though his results at higher levels have been inconsistent.

With multiple rotation spots potentially opening after 2026 due to free agency, the Giants will hope Birdsong can return healthy and reestablish himself as part of their future pitching plans.

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!