Thomas Harding announced this morning that Rockies right-hander RJ Petit (No. 23 PuRP) has undergone Tommy John surgery after suffering the initial injury on March 4 against Team USA.
Petit was selected by the Rockies in the first round of the Rule 5 Draft back in December from the Detroit Tigers.
The 6’8” righty was drafted by the Tigers originally in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft and made it up to Triple-A Toledo before being selected by the Rockies.
In three games this spring (not including the Team USA game), Petit pitched three innings and allowed four hits with three runs (all on a three-run homer by Cleveland Guardians’ infielder Milan Tolentino on March 1). He also walked two and recorded one strikeout.
Petit will miss the 2026 season, but the Rule 5 rules will apply to the 2027 season once Petit is reinstated from the 60-day IL. In the meantime, this move will open another spot on the Rockies roster as they begin planning for Opening Day.
This is a developing story and Purple Row will provide more information as it becomes available.
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