While Grant Dayton made his MLB debut last season and proved to be a surprise for the Los Angeles Dodgers out of the bullpen, he’s failed to replicate that same success in a second year with the team.
Dayton’s trouble with injuries began in the middle of April when he was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left intercostal strain. He made a relatively quick recovery however, coming off the DL 11 days after the stint began.
Dayton was then twice forced to the disabled list in July due to neck stiffness. He was on the mound to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Tulsa last week, but was removed while warming up for the start.
The left-hander underwent multiple tests on his throwing elbow and was shut down while the Dodgers awaited a second opinion.
It unfortunately brought negative news, as Dayton is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
Grant Dayton will have Tommy John surgery Tuesday.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 25, 2017
The operation not only brings Dayton’s 2017 season to an end, but the rehab process is likely to cost him the bulk of next year as well. The general baseline is a 12-month recovery, though the Dodgers tend to err on the side of caution, which may result in the 29-year-old not returning until upwards of 14 months.
Dayton appeared in just 29 games with the Dodgers this season, going 1-1 with a 4.94 ERA, 5.72 FIP and 1.31 WHIP. He yielded a 7.71 ERA and 2.14 WHIP in five relief appearances with Oklahoma City.
