When it rains, it pours. Unfortunately, for Asa Lacy, it’s been raining for a long, long time. At least, figuratively in a baseball sense. The fourth overall pick in the MLB draft hasn’t pitched since 2022. He missed all of 2023 with a back injury that forced him to re-work his delivery and mechanics. Before his injury, he had pitched to a 7.09 ERA across two minor league seasons. Lacy has compiled just 80.0 total innings in his professional career, and he won’t be adding any more to that total in 2024.

Despite news that he was ramping up in spring training and participating in all drills, Lacy announced on Tuesday that he has undergone a full UCL reconstruction. The surgery, also known as Tommy John Surgery, will sideline Lacy for the entirety of the 2024 season. The typical recovery time for the procedure is 10-12 months but could take as long as 18 months depending on how Lacy recovers. It’s the latest in a long string of unfortunate injuries since Lacy was selected fourth overall.

By the time Lacy is healthy on the mound again, he’ll be close to 26 years old — at least. It’s a tough break, and hopefully, Lacy can find his way back and get healthy. Although the pick can be seen as a “bust,” it’s hardly due to talent alone. Lacy struggled with command in his limited time in the minor leagues but did rack up an excellent 12.8 SO/9 in that span. When selected, it was seen as the obvious, no-brainer selection in the draft. Many saw Lacy as the best pitcher available in that summer’s draft. No one could foresee the injuries that were in store. Much like they did with Kyle Zimmer, the Royals will have to move forward with other plans. Anything they someday receive from Lacy in the big leagues will be a bonus on top of what will always be a disappointing former first-round pick.