Here's some potentially troubling news regarding the Cardinals and gifted rookie right-hander Alex Reyes: Reyes will undergo an MRI on his throwing arm, reports Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Goold adds that Reyes reported some soreness in his elbow and that the organization is concerned.

Word came down later Tuesday that Reyes will likely need Tommy John surgery. He is heading for a second opinion, understandably, and the team has not confirmed the news.

 

Reyes pitched to a 1.57 ERA in 12 games last season, five of which were starts, and he did so at the age of 21. He's an exceptionally hard thrower who can hit triple digits with his fastball, and Baseball Prospectus recently named Reyes the game's top overall prospect.

 

Reyes was likely ticketed for the Cardinal rotation in 2017. Carlos Martinez, Adam Wainwright, Mike Leake and Lance Lynn (who himself is returning from Tommy John surgery) are locks to be part of the starting five. If Reyes is unable to join them, then St. Louis would likely turn to Michael Wacha to be the fifth starter.