Red Sox Top Prospect Exits After Sudden Elbow Injury

The Boston Red Sox didn't play a game on Thursday, but that doesn't mean there wasn't anything to watch for fans of the organization.

High-A Greenville had a game with No. 5 prospect Juan Valera on the mound. Any time you have a 19-year-old top prospect on the mound who can throw 101.7 miles per hour , it's appointment viewing, if possible.

Unfortunately, though, Valera was forced to exit the game early on Thursday for Greenville. MassLive.com's  Chris Cotillo reported that the reason why Valera was forced out of the game was due to "elbow inflammation."

"Pitching prospect Juan Valera left his start at Greenville with elbow inflammation, source says. He was recently ranked as Baseball America's No. 100 prospect in baseball," Cotillo wrote.

Any time you hear about an elbow issue of any kind for a hurler, it's not great. Over the next few days, there should be more information. Hopefully, this is nothing long-term for the young flamethrower. While not likely for the big league club this season, if he can pitch to his potential, making it all the way up to Triple-A Worcester should be very possible.

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