Cardinals' Duke will miss 2017 after Tommy John surgery
As the St. Louis Cardinals search for bullpen help this winter, they'll have to replace one more pitcher than they initially expected as the season came to a close.
As MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch first reported on Friday, left-handed reliever Zach Duke will miss the 2017 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery:
LHP Zach Duke underwent Tommy John surgery and had his flexor muscle repaired last week. He's expected to miss the 2017 season. #stlcards
— Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) October 14, 2016
The Cardinals acquired the 33-year-old Duke on July 31 in exchange for minor-league outfielder Charlie Tilson. In 28 games for the Cardinals, he had a 1.93 ERA while allowing 17 hits and 13 walks over 23 1/3 innings.
Between Chicago and St. Louis, Duke made a career-high 81 appearances, posting a 2.36 ERA while allowing 48 hits and 29 walks in 61 innings.
Duke is set to make $5.5 million during 2017, the final season of his current contract.
