Prime Rockies’ prospect Zac Veen posted a picture of himself within the hospital (on Twitter) after an obvious left arm surgical procedure this night. Thomas Harding of MLB.com studies the process was to handle ligament harm in his hand (Twitter link). Based on Harding, Veen is anticipated to be out of motion till December.
Clearly, that ends his 2023 marketing campaign. Had Veen been wholesome, the 2020 first-round decide had a shot to make his MLB debut this 12 months. He reached Double-A Hartford late final season and returned there to begin this 12 months. Thought to be a borderline prime 50 prospect by every of Baseball America, Keith Regulation of the Athletic and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, the left-handed hitter was searching for to hit his strategy to Coors Subject by 12 months’s finish.
That received’t occur, because it appeared Veen was hampered by the hand subject all season. Based on Harding, the younger outfielder first felt discomfort halfway by way of final summer season. Veen’s numbers plummeted following a late-season bump from Excessive-A to Double-A. Whereas the upper caliber of pitching presumably performed a task, the harm gives a further clarification.
Veen’s 2023 numbers lend assist to that chance. Hand or wrist accidents can diminish a hitter’s energy. Veen’s batted ball high quality has evaporated this 12 months. He related on solely two dwelling runs over 46 contests and 201 plate appearances. Prospect evaluators have credited the 6’3″ nook outfielder with vital uncooked energy potential. A lofty 47.7% grounder fee hasn’t helped his energy output, however it stands to motive he wasn’t hitting the ball with as a lot authority as he would’ve had he been totally wholesome.
The 21-year-old had a .209/.303/.308 batting line general. He walked at a powerful 11.4% clip whereas placing out at a roughly common 21.4% fee. Whereas Veen’s plate self-discipline numbers have been effective, a meager .260 common on balls in play and the shortage of dwelling run pop led to the dismal general outcomes.
Charlie Blackmon, Jurickson Profar and Randal Grichuk are all slated at no cost company after this season. Kris Bryant will probably be assured one nook outfield spot if wholesome, however the remainder of the Rox’s future outfield is unsettled. Even when Nolan Jones builds off his sturdy begin to lock himself into proper area, Veen may have a path to DH reps subsequent season relying on Colorado’s offseason exercise. Colorado doesn’t have so as to add Veen to their 40-man roster till after the 2024 season, although they’d presumably be comfortable to get a have a look at him earlier than then if he mashes within the higher minors to begin the 12 months.
