Cathedral Catholic High School star Brady Aiken was the number one overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. But, the left-handed pitcher never signed with the Astros.
Houston tried to pull back a large chunk of their proposed signing bonus due to what they say was a problem with Aiken's left (pitching) elbow.
Aiken ended up at Florida's IMG Academy and was working out, throwing well, expecting to be a top-10 pick again in 2015.
Now, he doesn't know where, or even when, he'll be pitching.
This week Aiken had Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left elbow. He says it happened during a game and is not the result of whatever problem the Astros claimed they saw (read Aiken's full explanation here).
With Tommy John procedures being as common and effective as they are these days, Aiken should make a full recovery in 12 to 18 months. It might not even impact his Draft status by much.
Aiken's body of work and substantial upside could still be enough to persuade a team to take him with a first round pick. The Diamondbacks have the first overall selection. The Astros pick 5th and can not take Aiken again without his consent.
