Reds fans get heartbreaking update on Tyler Callihan's recovery from gruesome injury

While the door once remained open – well, perhaps slightly ajar – for outfielder Tyler Callihan's potential return this season following a gruesome arm injury suffered in early May, that possibility has all but vanished after the Cincinnati Reds' latest medical update.

Reds manager Terry Francona told reporters (including Pat Brennan of the Cincinnati Enquirer) that Callihan recently underwent an additional surgery on his left wrist, a follow-up to the initial surgery he underwent on May 6 to repair two broken bones in his forearm.

A timeline for Callihan's return had not previously been provided by the team, but the Reds’ injury tracker at MLB.com was updated on Thursday to reflect his follow-up surgery, noting that he is no longer expected to return this season.

Reds fans get heartbreaking update on Tyler Callihan's recovery from gruesome injury

Callihan suffered the injury in just his fourth Major League game while playing left field against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 5. The 25-year-old was chasing down a Matt Olson fly ball heading toward the foul line when he slid and crashed into the wall, remaining on the ground in obvious discomfort as Olson rounded the bases for an inside-the-park home run.

The following day, Callihan was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left forearm fracture. With his initial surgery requiring a shutdown period of six to eight weeks, he was transferred to the 60-day IL a few days later when the Reds acquired Connor Joe from the San Diego Padres.

As recently as last month, Francona called Callihan's progress in his recovery up to that point "amazing." Callihan was evidently reevaluated after the shutdown period, however, and it was determined that an additional surgery was required. It's not clear at this time whether he will be recovered in time for the start of spring training next year.

In his brief sample size of Major League action with the Reds, Callihan is 1-6 with an RBI. He will now remain on the 60-day IL for the rest of the year while continuing to collect big league pay and service time.

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