Dauri Moreta Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dauri Moreta underwent Tommy John surgery, director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk told reporters, including Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. Moreta will be sidelined for the next 14-16 months.

Moreta exited his last spring training appearance on Mar. 3 against the Baltimore Orioles accompanied by the Pirates’ medical staff. It was a rough spring for the right-hander, who allowed five runs and four homers in 2.1 innings pitched. Moreta’s velocity was down considerably in his appearance against Baltimore.

The 27-year-old carved out a significant role in the Pirates’ bullpen a season ago after he was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in the offseason. In 55 appearances in his first season in Pittsburgh, Moreta went 5-2 with a 3.72 ERA. He struck out 76 batters in 58 innings pitched.

Moreta figured to be a key member in the Pirates’ bullpen again this coming season, an area that looked to be a strength for the Pirates in the upcoming year.

Fortunately for the Pirates, they have built a good amount of depth with their relievers to try and withstand Moreta’s absence.

David Bednar, who is making his spring debut on Thursday, is joined by Aroldis Chapman in the back of the bullpen, giving the Pirates a formidable one-two punch. There are other returning arms including Colin Holderman, Carmen Mlodzinski, Ryan Borucki and others.

Based off of the initial prognosis, Moreta’s return is tentatively scheduled for the middle of the 2025 season. He joins right-handed starter Johan Oviedo and catcher Endy Rodríguez as players to undergo the procedure this offseason.