![Pitcher Anthony Banda comes through for the Rays, going 6 1/3 innings of relief, giving up three hits, one run and striking out seven in a victory against the Orioles on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Tropicana Field. [Associated Press]](https://www.tampabay.com/resizer//Y0Bof6VC1MtHjx0dWzbk4miCizQ=/426x0/smart/filters:format(webP)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-wordpress-client-uploads/tbt/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/26185507/AP_SPD115_ORIOLES_RAYS_BASE.jpg "Pitcher Anthony Banda comes through for the Rays, going 6 1/3 innings of relief, giving up three hits, one run and striking out seven in a victory against the Orioles on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Tropicana Field. [Associated Press]")
Promising prospect LHP Anthony Banda is headed for Tommy John elbow surgery that will keep him out until 2020, the Tampa Bay Times has learned.
Banda, the most advanced prospect in the trade return from Arizona for OF Steven Souza Jr., made three appearances for the Rays (1-0, 3.68) and eight for Triple-A Durham (4-3, 3.64). He was with with the Bulls most recently, pitching six innings on Thursday.
Banda is the latest advanced Rays pitching prospect to tear an elbow ligament, joining Jose De Leon and Brent Honeywell, who both underwent Tommy John surgery in spring training.
With about a 15-month average recovery, Banda would not be ready to start pitching competitively by the end of next season so would not return until 2020.
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