Former Mariners prospect lost in Eugenio Suárez trade gets dealt a cruel blow

When the Seattle Mariners reacquired Eugenio Suárez at this year's trade deadline, it was mostly met with positivity from fans and media alike. The only downside was that Tyler Locklear was the main piece of the return package which was sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

There was plenty of potential surrounding Locklear, who was selected in the second round of the 2022 draft and by last year was considered the eighth-best prospect in the Mariners' farm system by MLB Pipeline. And he seemed to be fulfilling his potential earlier this season in Triple-A Tacoma, batting .316 with a .942 OPS in 98 games.

However, Locklear didn't appear set to get the sustained shot he deserved in Seattle, and it was appreciated that the trade to Arizona was just what he needed to get that opportunity. Unfortunately for the 24-year-old though, things just haven't gone to plan with the Diamondbacks.

As we wrote in early September, Locklear was placed on the 10-day Injured List with left elbow inflammation after accidentally colliding with Connor Wong Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong. As per Alex D'Agostino of Sports Illustrated, the injury was expected to end the first baseman's season.

Mounting injury issues for Tyler Locklear

Locklear was having a tough time of it anyway prior to his injury, with a lowly .175 batting average and .529 OPS in 31 games for the Diamondbacks. Well now, it's gone from bad to worse for the Baltimore, Maryland nativ,e and you can't help but feel bad for someone who wasn't exactly disliked by Mariners fans.

As per Nick Piecoro of Arizona Central, Locklear will undergo surgery this month on both his elbow and shoulder. This was considered a worst-case scenario following the collision with Wong and unfortunately for him has now come to fruition.

Piecoro goes on to explain that Locklear suffered a torn ligament in his left elbow and also needs the labrum in his left shoulder repaired. The right-handed bat is expected back at some point next season, although the timeline for his return is unclear at this stage.

All you can do is hope for the best and pass on good wishes to Locklear, who is still the same promising talent who has tremendous hitting power. Pending when he does actually return, he still offers a viable option at first base for the Diamondbacks.