Packy Naughton's MLB Comeback Cut Short by Injury After Just Three Pitches
Pitcher attempting MLB comeback leaves 2026 debut after three pitches with heartbreaking injury
New York Post
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Packy Naughton, a pitcher attempting to return to Major League Baseball (MLB) with the St. Louis Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate, left his 2026 debut after just three pitches due to an apparent elbow injury. This setback follows a series of arm injuries that have plagued his career since 2023.
- 01Packy Naughton left his 2026 debut after three pitches with an elbow injury.
- 02He had a promising spring training with a 1.29 ERA over seven appearances.
- 03Naughton has faced multiple arm injuries, including a torn flexor tendon and Tommy John surgery.
- 04He was re-signed by the Cardinals with hopes of contributing in 2026 after missing the previous two seasons.
- 05Naughton also pursued a real estate career during his recovery.
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Packy Naughton, a 29-year-old pitcher, faced another setback in his career when he left his 2026 debut with the St. Louis Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate after just three pitches due to an elbow injury. This injury occurred while facing Korey Lee of the Chicago White Sox's minor league team. Naughton had shown promise during spring training, posting a 1.29 ERA in seven appearances, and was on track to make his first MLB appearance since 2023. His journey has been fraught with challenges, including a torn flexor tendon that led to season-ending Tommy John surgery and sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. The Cardinals re-signed him to a two-year deal, anticipating his return to form in 2026. In the interim, Naughton obtained his real estate license, which he described as a way to stay engaged while recovering. His career began when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth round of the 2017 MLB Draft, later being traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where he made his MLB debut in 2021. Over his three MLB seasons, he has a 4.98 ERA across 37 games.
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Naughton's injury could affect the Cardinals' pitching depth and their plans for the 2026 season, as they were counting on his experience.
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