UConn sophomore catcher Pat Winkel (Orange, Conn.), widely considered a first-round MLB Draft prospect for 2021, will miss the 2020 season after undergoing ligament replacement surgery on his right arm last month.
According to UConn coach Jim Penders, Winkel experienced discomfort in his throwing elbow toward the end of September. The UConn coaching staff shut down Winkel, and the 6-foot-2, 197-pound catcher tried to rehab the injury. He eventually got an MRI, and doctors found a partial tear in his elbow ligaments.
"Obviously, everybody is disappointed," Penders said. "But it's important that he get this taken care of so he's in a good position to help us next year, which is his draft year. His health is vitally important for that year, especially.
"We'll miss him, for sure. But he'll attack his rehab like he does everything -- whether it's his studies or development on and off the field. He's a go-getter, a Type-A goal-setter. This will eventually make him stronger."
