Shoulder injuries for pitchers are among the most problematic injuries in baseball. It’s why Atlanta Braves fans are so worried about how RHP Reynaldo Lopez looks when he returns from his recent arthroscopic surgery. Luckily for Lopez, the surgery found no structural damage so his absence will not be as lengthy as others. As is the case with former Braves fifth overall pick in the 2017 Draft, Kyle Wright.
The former Vandy boys ace was traded to the Royals in a swap of former first round picks back in 2024. The move was a bit cost savings driven, as well as signaled the Braves front office didn’t have much confidence in Wright recovering well from his shoulder ailment.
Unfortunately, Wright’s latest bit of news may have proven Atlanta correct. Wright has pitched six innings for the Royals Double-A affiliate this season, but this afternoon the club announced they were skipping his next rehab start due to shoulder fatigue.
RHP Kyle Wright has been recalled from his rehab assignment with shoulder fatigue. Our tentative plan is to skip a start or two and have him back out soon.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 9, 2025
Braves may have dodged a bullet with Kyle Wright’s shoulder
It’s a tough blow for Wright, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since September of 2023. The Royals swung this trade hoping Wright could regain the stuff that helped him breakout in 2022. Sadly, the reoccurring shoulder troubles is normally a white flag for pitchers.
The former top prospect seemed to have finally figured out how to stick at the big league level during his stellar 2022 campaign. Sadly, just seven starts into his 2023 season Wright was shutdown with shoulder soreness.
Later that season it was determined Wright needed surgery on his shoulder, thus effectively ruling him out for all of 2024. Present day has Wright attempting to mount a comeback few pitchers find success in. Hopefully, with a bit of rest will do the trick and allow Wright to pitch his way back to the majors for a solid Royals team before the season ends.
