Rockies Rule 5 Pick RJ Petit Undergoes Tommy John Surgery, Out for 2026
The injury forces Colorado to navigate Rule 5 roster rules during his rehab.
Overview
- Dr. Keith Meister performed the elbow reconstruction with an internal brace in Dallas on Friday, according to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding.
- Petit will miss the entire 2026 season and is likely to be sidelined for part of 2027.
- The right-hander suffered the injury on March 4 during a game against Team USA after limited spring appearances.
- Colorado selected Petit first overall in December’s Rule 5 Draft from Detroit following a 2025 season with a 2.44 ERA and a 29.5% strikeout rate over 66 1/3 innings across Double-A and Triple-A.
- He is expected to move to the 60-day injured list, accruing major-league pay and service time, with potential post-World Series waiver and offer-back considerations under Rule 5 procedures.