Overview
- An MRI after a March 10 Cactus League outing revealed a Grade 2 forearm strain and a UCL sprain following a felt pop in his right elbow.
- The procedure carries a typical 12–16 month recovery timeline, keeping the 24-year-old out for the entire 2026 campaign.
- Birdsong sought a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister and chose surgery over a non-surgical rehab approach.
- The operation may also address a flexor-tendon issue identified alongside the UCL sprain.
- He was in line for meaningful innings this year, so the Giants plan to lean on Trevor McDonald, Carson Whisenhunt, Blade Tidwell and Carson Seymour for depth.