The St. Louis Cardinals' pitching depth has taken a significant hit, with the club's worst fears confirmed this week. Right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts has undergone season-ending surgery to repair a lat injury on his right side, as announced by president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.

This is a tough blow for the 26-year-old, who was acquired from Boston in a notable offseason trade centered around Sonny Gray. After nearly cracking the Opening Day roster out of Spring Training, Fitts was off to a stellar start with Triple-A Memphis, posting a 2-0 record and a 1.76 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 15.1 innings before the injury struck in his third start.

"Bummed for him," Bloom said via text from Houston. "It's a good prognosis long term, but he will not pitch this year." For a pitcher who battled neuropathy in his right arm just last season, this is another frustrating setback in his quest to establish himself at the major league level.

The injury news doesn't stop there for the Cardinals' minor league system. Left-handed reliever Packy Naughton, who was pushing for a return to the big leagues, suffered ligament damage in his left elbow. Having already endured major elbow injuries in 2023 and 2024, which cost him the entire 2025 season, Naughton and the club are now weighing options, with another Tommy John surgery a distinct possibility.

For Cardinals fans and the organization, it's a stark reminder of the physical toll the game takes, especially on a pitcher's arm. The road to recovery is long, but the focus now shifts to rehabilitation and supporting these players as they work their way back to the mound.