News
3 Things to Know About Tyler Callihan’s Broken Arm
Date posted: 5/7/2025
Last updated: 5/7/2025
On May 4th, during a high-energy inside-the-park home run, Cincinnati Reds prospect Tyler Callihan suffered a significant setback: a broken arm that ended the game and, likely, a large portion of his season. Dr. Xavier Simcock, who specializes in upper extremity injuries at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, breaks down the key points of this injury, what it means for Callihan’s recovery, and what fans can expect moving forward.
1. Understanding the Nature of the Injury
While the Cincinnati Reds haven’t disclosed the exact bone affected, reports confirm that Callihan broke his arm while sliding into home plate. In high-speed collisions or awkward slides, the forearm is especially vulnerable, particularly the radius or ulna, the two long bones of the forearm. Based on typical mechanisms of injury in baseball and the severity reported, it’s likely one or both of these bones were fractured.
A displaced fracture or a break near a joint often requires surgical intervention, especially in professional athletes who rely heavily on full strength, range of motion, and precision. For Callihan, who bats left-handed, any fracture in his lead arm could significantly affect his performance without proper healing and rehab.
2. The Surgical and Rehabilitation Timeline
If surgery was necessary — and most mid-forearm fractures in athletes are treated operatively — it likely involved internal fixation with plates and screws to stabilize the bone. The typical post-surgical recovery timeline is:
- Weeks 0–6: Immobilization, pain control, and early passive motion
- Weeks 6–12: Guided physical therapy focused on restoring range of motion
- Months 3–6: Progressive strength training and return to batting or throwing activities
Most professional athletes can return to full play within 4 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the break and the body’s response to rehab. The good news: with today’s surgical techniques and tailored sports rehab programs, athletes like Callihan often make a full recovery.
3. Return to Play: What’s Next for Callihan?
As a 2024 breakout candidate within the Reds organization, Callihan’s injury is a setback, but not a career-ender. Given his age, athleticism, and access to elite medical care, he’s in an excellent position to return to play with full function. That said, mental readiness is just as critical as physical healing. Sliding with confidence, trusting the repaired limb, and reestablishing timing at the plate all take time.
From a medical standpoint, assuming proper healing and no complications, I’d anticipate Callihan being cleared for baseball activities by late summer or early fall, with a full ramp-up for spring training 2026.
Final Thoughts
Tyler Callihan’s broken arm is a reminder of how quickly the game can change—but also how resilient today’s athletes can be with proper care. At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, we work with athletes of all levels to ensure injuries like this don’t just heal—they heal strong. Callihan’s path forward is challenging, but absolutely navigable with expert care, dedication, and time.
Dr. Xavier Simcock is a hand, wrist, and elbow specialist at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, treating athletes and active individuals with upper extremity injuries.
