Rockies’ Mike Nikorak Having Tommy John Surgery

Rockies righthander Mike Nikorak, the team’s second of two first-round picks in 2015, is having Tommy John surgery today and will miss the 2017 season.

The news is a disappointing blow for the 20-year-old from Stroudsburg (Pa.) High. He had struggled significantly in his first two seasons as a pro, showing shaky control and diminished velocity. He went 1-4, 6.70 in 47 innings over two seasons at Rookie-level Grand Junction with 51 walks and 34 strikeouts.

But Nikorak appeared to be making strides this spring. With simplified mechanics, he was touching 96-98 mph regularly in spring training while showing improved control.

Now he’ll miss the entire 2017 season, and with current timetables for Tommy John surgery rehab, he’ll likely miss a significant portion of the 2018 season as well.

—Rockies correspondent Jack Etkin contributed to this report