Giants' Birdsong suffers UCL sprain, future uncertain

24-year-old right-hander faces potential surgery or lengthy rehab after MRI reveals Grade 2 UCL injury

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:51pm by Ben Kaplan

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 UCL sprain and forearm strain in his pitching arm after an MRI, putting his 2026 season in jeopardy. The 24-year-old right-hander was hoping to earn a bullpen role and serve as rotation depth, but now faces an uncertain recovery timeline that could require surgery or months of rehab.

Why it matters

Birdsong's injury is a significant setback for the Giants, who were counting on the young pitcher to provide depth and potentially contribute to the major league roster this season. UCL sprains can be tricky injuries for pitchers, often requiring extended recovery periods or even Tommy John surgery, which would sideline Birdsong for the entire year.

The details

After a strong third outing in spring training that featured his highest velocity of the preseason, Birdsong reported forearm discomfort. An MRI revealed the Grade 2 UCL sprain and forearm strain, which will now require a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister to determine the best course of action - either surgery or a rehab program. The Giants' pitching coach had just praised Birdsong for putting it all together before the injury occurred.

  • On March 15, 2026, the Giants announced Birdsong's UCL sprain diagnosis.
  • Birdsong is scheduled to meet with Dr. Keith Meister for a second opinion in the coming days.

The players

Hayden Birdsong

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher in the San Francisco Giants organization who was hoping to earn a bullpen role and serve as rotation depth this season.

Dr. Keith Meister

A renowned orthopedic surgeon who will provide a second opinion on Birdsong's UCL injury.

Justin Meccage

The pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants who had just praised Birdsong's recent progress before the injury occurred.

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What they’re saying

“Pitching coach Justin Meccage had just told reporters that he thought Birdsong had put it all together following his recent outing.”

— Evan Webeck, Reporter (mccoveychronicles.com)

What’s next

Birdsong will meet with Dr. Keith Meister in the coming days to determine if surgery or a rehab program is the best course of action to address his UCL sprain.

The takeaway

Birdsong's injury is a significant setback for the Giants, who were counting on the young pitcher to provide depth and potentially contribute to the major league roster this season. UCL sprains can be tricky injuries for pitchers, often requiring extended recovery periods or even Tommy John surgery, which would sideline Birdsong for the entire year.