Just ten days ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected outfielder Druw Jones, son of former major league star Andruw Jones, with the second overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.
The organization was extremely happy with the player: a potential difference-maker with power, speed, and great defense like his father.
However, it will be a while before we see him play his first professional game.
“Druw Jones, the No. 2 draft pick by the #Dbacks, is out for the year after injuring his shoulder in his 1st workout while taking batting practice. Jordan Lawler, Arizona’s No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, played two minor-league games last season before undergoing shoulder surgery,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tweeted.
Druw Jones, the No. 2 draft pick by the #Dbacks, is out for the year after injuring his shoulder in his 1st workout while taking batting practice.
Jordan Lawler, Arizona's No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, played two minor-league games last season before undergoing shoulder surgery.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 27, 2022
It’s certainly a tough blow for the Diamondbacks.
However, Jones is a project for the future.
We Will All Have To Wait A Few More Months To Watch Jones
He was considered the best prospect in the draft, but every team knew he was going to spend at least a few years in the minor league system.
After all, he is just 18: he needs a lot of time to adjust to every new level.
He has star potential, but will probably need a few seasons down on the farm.
This news adds at least half a season to that expected time of arrival.
The organization needs to be patient and make sure Jones’ shoulder is fully healthy, and the muscles around it are in tip-top condition before thinking about playing again.
That will occur next season, probably around spring training.
Of course, the ideal scenario for Arizona was for him to start getting his feet wet in the low minors this year.
That won’t be happening now, but everybody needs to move on, and wait for him a few more months.
He will eventually arrive, and it will be special and worth the wait.
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