If nothing else, Brubaker was expected to eat a significant number of innings for the Pirates in 2023. There was also some reason to be optimistic that his surface stats would improve after he showed growth in limiting the long ball, but all hopes were dashed after he dealt with forearm and elbow issues late in spring training. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that he would need Tommy John surgery. That not only ended his 2023 campaign, but it also leaves his status for 2024 unclear. According to most recent reports, he is throwing from flat ground up to 120 feet with the goal of making his season debut shortly after the All-Star break. As a result, he's safe to avoid in nearly all fantasy formats, with the best-case scenario being he becomes a streaming option upon his return. Read Past Outlooks