Cardinals RHP Hunter Dobbins to miss a year after elbow surgery

Field Level Media|published: Fri 4th September, 16:13 2026

Aug 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) walks back to the dugout after being relieved against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Hunter Dobbins underwent right elbow surgery this week and will be out for 12 months, while putting his 2027 season in jeopardy.

Dobbins, who turned 27 on Sunday, last pitched Aug. 21 when he gave up three runs on five hits and three walks over four innings of a no-decision against the Philadelphia Phillies. He left the game before throwing a pitch in the fifth inning with forearm tightness.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Dobbins had surgery Wednesday to mend a ligament in the same area where he had Tommy John surgery in 2021 while at Texas Tech.

In his second major league season, Dobbins went 3-3 with a 3.67 ERA in 11 appearances (eight starts). He had been expected to compete for a rotation spot at spring training next season.

Dobbins spent his rookie season with the Boston Red Sox -- going 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA in 13 appearances (11 starts) -- before being acquired by the Cardinals as part of the offseason deal in which Willson Contreras went to the Red Sox.

--Field Level Media

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