After dealing with shoulder trouble during much of the 2018 season, Tony Cingrani reported to Spring Training this year and projected to be a key member of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen. When healthy, Cingrani proved to be an effective option for manager Dave Roberts against left- and right-handed batters.
Although Cingrani was deemed healthy upon reporting to Camelback Ranch, last year’s shoulder issue resurfaced after he managed to appear in just four games. Cingrani was shut down for treatment and ultimately began the season on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder impingement.
He built up to beginning a rehab assignment with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, then joined Triple-A Oklahoma City. However, Cingrani suffered a setback and underwent an MRI.
After recently saying the left-hander was shut down indefinitely, Roberts now revealed Cingrani is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery that will likely end his season, per Pedro Moura of The Athletic:
Tony Cingrani will next week have arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. “It is probably the end of his season,” Dave Roberts said.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) June 2, 2019
Cingrani appeared in just 30 games last season, and essentially missed all of August and September. He made just two relief appearances during the final month of the regular season and was not included on any postseason rosters as the Dodgers made a second run to the World Series.
Cingrani is 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA, 2.32 FIP and 1.10 WHIP in 30 games over parts of two seasons with the Dodgers. He joined the club at the trade deadline in 2017 and avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract in each of the past two years.
With Cingrani essentially removed from the equation, Roberts has Scott Alexander, Caleb Ferguson and Julio Urias to select from as left-handed relievers. Though, each has struggled at times, leaving the team without a clear-cut lefty specialist.
Urias has the talent and pitch mix to fill that role, but the Dodgers are hesitant to again have the 22-year-old change roles.
