The Detroit Tigers have received another unfortunate injury update, as left-handed reliever Bailey Horn has undergone Tommy John surgery that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2026 season and likely all or most of the 2027 campaign.
The club announced Horn’s surgery on Wednesday, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, ending any hope of a return this season.
Long Recovery Ahead for Horn
Horn has yet to appear for the Tigers in 2026 after opening the season on the injured list.
The 27 year old initially underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his elbow and began a throwing progression in early April. However, his comeback stalled as elbow soreness persisted throughout the summer, ultimately revealing ligament damage that required reconstructive surgery.
Tommy John surgery typically carries a recovery timeline of 12 to 18 months, making a return before late 2027 unlikely.
Horn Showed Promise in Limited Action
Detroit acquired Horn from the Boston Red Sox in a cash trade during Spring Training in 2025.
While he spent much of last season at Triple A Toledo, Horn made 10 appearances for the Tigers and posted encouraging results. He allowed just two earned runs across 11 2/3 innings, although he also recorded 10 strikeouts and seven walks.
Before joining Detroit, Horn appeared in 18 games for Boston during the 2024 season.
What Comes Next
Horn will remain on the injured list for the rest of the year while continuing his rehabilitation.
Because he is expected to miss an extended period, the Tigers could face a difficult roster decision this offseason, as Horn would otherwise need to be added back to the club’s 40 man roster.
For now, the focus shifts to recovery as Horn begins the lengthy road back to the mound.
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