Bowden Francis reveals how he injured himself and ended up needing Tommy John surgery
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Victor William
Feb 15, 2026 (2:52 PM)
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Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Bowden Francis undergoes Tommy John surgery, but his unbreakable positivity sets the stage for a spectacular comeback.
It hurts to read the news. You wait all winter for pitchers and catchers to report, only to get hit with a gut punch before spring training even starts.
The reports say it happened on the 12th pitch of a routine bullpen session.
He threw a slider and instantly knew something felt wrong.
That sinking feeling in the elbow is every baseball fan's absolute worst nightmare. He had the surgery earlier this week to repair the damage.
The timing feels especially cruel since he was coming off the best offseason preparation of his entire life. Francis was looking ripped and ready to dominate.
The insider update perfectly captures his resilient mindset as he begins this massive uphill climb.
Earlier this month Bowden Francis threw a slider on the 12th pitch of a bullpen and something just didn’t feel right.
He had Tommy John surgery earlier this week.
Francis was “bummed” because it was the best off-season he’s ever had.
“It’s gonna be ok. I’ll be positive”
He had Tommy John surgery earlier this week.
Francis was “bummed” because it was the best off-season he’s ever had.
“It’s gonna be ok. I’ll be positive”
Francis (Drafted Round 7, 2017 by Milwaukee Brewers) is understandably bummed out about the sudden halt to his momentum.
He worked tirelessly to refine his arsenal.
Yet his immediate reaction speaks volumes about his character.
He promised everything is going to be okay and vowed to stay positive.
The injury sparks a timeline for an unforgettable return.
We just want to see our guys healthy and throwing gas under the stadium lights again.
Missing the entire season is a very bitter pill to swallow for a starting rotation that desperately needs his depth. His 2025 numbers were a bumpy 2-8 with a 6.05 ERA.
He struck out 54 batters in 64 innings last year while trying to find his ultimate rhythm. We all know he possesses the raw talent to perform much better.
Tommy John surgery is no longer a scary career death sentence. Medical science turns these guys into absolute cyborgs who often return throwing much harder than before.
He now has a clear runway to rebuild his mechanics from the ground up without the pressure of a pennant race. The focus shifts entirely to long-term health.
A full year of highly focused rehab will definitely test his patience. But that relentless work ethic will serve him perfectly during the lonely hours in the weight room.
The Toronto Blue Jays organization will support him through every single step of the way. He is a highly valued piece of this pitching staff.
When he finally steps back onto the mound next year, the crowd will erupt. That first strikeout will be worth the painful wait.
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