Cardinals’ Right-handed pitcher, who had been pitching for Triple-A Memphis, will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2026 season after undergoing surgery earlier this week to repair a strain in his right lat muscle.
The injury represents a significant setback for both Fitts and the St. Louis organization, which had acquired him during the offseason in a deal that sent veteran pitcher Sonny Gray to Boston. At the time of the trade, Fitts was viewed as a valuable depth piece with the potential to contribute meaningful innings at the major league level during the upcoming campaign.
The situation unfolded quickly. Fitts was officially placed on the Minor League injured list on Monday after experiencing discomfort, and within just a couple of days, further evaluation led to the decision that surgery would be necessary. The procedure was performed on Wednesday, effectively ending any hope that he might return to the mound this year. Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom provided details about the diagnosis and the reasoning behind the decision to proceed with surgery.
According to Bloom, additional imaging revealed that the severity of the injury left little room for alternative treatment options. While the team had initially hoped the issue might be manageable through rest and rehabilitation, it soon became clear that surgical intervention was the only viable path forward. Bloom emphasized that while the outcome is disappointing in the short term, there is optimism regarding Fitts’ long-term health and ability to return to form.
He explained that once the imaging results were reviewed, the extent of the damage became obvious. The injury was significant enough that attempting to pitch through it or relying solely on conservative treatment methods would not have been effective. Instead, surgery offered the best chance for a full recovery, even though it meant sacrificing the entire 2026 season.
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Bloom acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the injury, especially considering that Fitts had been performing well and was in a position to potentially help the big league club. However, he also expressed confidence that the pitcher would make a full recovery and be ready to contribute in the future. The organization remains encouraged by his resilience and expects him to return healthy once the rehabilitation process is complete.
Prior to the injury, Fitts had been off to an impressive start with Memphis. Over the course of three starts, he compiled a 2-0 record along with a stellar 1.76 earned run average. In 15 1/3 innings pitched, he struck out 11 batters, demonstrating solid command and effectiveness on the mound. His performance had begun to draw attention within the organization, as he appeared to be building momentum early in the season.
In his most recent outing on April 9, Fitts delivered another strong performance before being forced to exit early. He pitched five innings, allowing just one run on four hits while issuing two walks and recording three strikeouts. Although he was effective, he left the game after throwing 68 pitches, 37 of which were strikes. At the time, there may not have been immediate alarm, but it soon became evident that something was not quite right physically.
Bloom elaborated on the nature of lat injuries, noting that they can often be difficult to fully assess right away. In many cases, there is a period of uncertainty following the initial discomfort, during which time the severity of the injury may not be immediately clear. He explained that while rest can sometimes resolve minor strains, more serious cases require detailed imaging to determine whether there is structural damage, such as a tear.
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He pointed out that the decision-making process typically involves both medical imaging and consultation with specialists, who can better evaluate the extent of the injury and recommend the appropriate course of action. In Fitts’ case, the imaging results left little doubt that the damage was substantial. The findings indicated that surgery would be necessary to properly address the issue and prevent further complications.
Bloom admitted that these types of injuries can be tricky because the symptoms don’t always reveal the full picture. A player might initially hope that the issue is minor, only to discover later that it is more serious than expected. That appeared to be the case here, as the imaging quickly clarified that Fitts had sustained a significant injury.
Before joining the Cardinals organization, Fitts had spent time with the Boston Red Sox, where he appeared in 15 games over two seasons, including 14 starts. During that span, he posted a 2-5 record with a 3.97 ERA. While those numbers were modest, they reflected a pitcher who was still developing and capable of providing innings at a competitive level.
Following his acquisition by St. Louis, Fitts participated in Spring Training with the major league club. He made three starts during the spring, allowing six runs across 9 1/3 innings while striking out nine batters. Though not dominant, his performances were solid enough to keep him in consideration for a role during the regular season, particularly as a depth option who could be called upon when needed.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol spoke about the impact of losing Fitts, noting that the pitcher had impressed the coaching staff during Spring Training and was someone the team had planned to rely on at various points throughout the year. Marmol emphasized that Fitts had demonstrated competitiveness and a strong work ethic, qualities that made him a valuable asset to the organization.
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He described the injury as especially unfortunate because it deprives the team of a pitcher who could have contributed meaningful innings over the course of the season. With the long grind of a full schedule, having reliable depth is crucial, and Fitts was expected to be part of that equation. His ability to step in when opportunities arose made him an important piece of the club’s overall pitching strategy.
Marmol also highlighted Fitts’ performance during the spring, noting that he had shown encouraging signs and handled himself well against quality competition. The coaching staff had come away with a positive impression, reinforcing their belief that he could play a role at the major league level in 2026.
Beyond his on-field abilities, Marmol praised Fitts’ competitive nature. He described him as a player who embraces challenges and competes with intensity, traits that are highly valued within the organization. Losing a player with that mindset is not just a blow to the roster, but also to the clubhouse dynamic.
As Fitts begins his recovery process, the focus will shift toward rehabilitation and ensuring that he can return to full strength. While the timeline for recovery from lat surgery can vary, the expectation is that he will spend the remainder of the year working his way back under the guidance of the team’s medical staff.
For the Cardinals, the injury underscores the unpredictable nature of pitching depth and the importance of having multiple options available. Even players who appear poised to contribute can be sidelined unexpectedly, forcing teams to adjust their plans. In this case, the organization will need to look elsewhere to fill the innings that Fitts might have provided.
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Despite the setback, there is a sense of optimism surrounding Fitts’ future. Both Bloom and Marmol expressed confidence that he will recover fully and eventually return to the mound ready to compete. While the loss of an entire season is never easy, especially for a player looking to establish himself, the long-term outlook remains positive.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in baseball. A player who was performing well and positioning himself for a potential role at the highest level now faces months of recovery and rehabilitation. However, with the support of the organization and a clear path to recovery, Fitts will have the opportunity to come back stronger and resume his pursuit of a successful major league career.
In the meantime, the Cardinals will move forward without him, adjusting their plans and relying on other pitchers to step up. While his absence will certainly be felt, the team remains hopeful that this is only a temporary setback in what they believe can still be a promising future for Richard Fitts.
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