{
  "id": 1171873,
  "title": "Gonzaga product William Kempner to undergo surgery, former Zag Eli Morgan designated for assignment | MLB locals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/gonzaga-product-william-kempner-to-undergo-surgery-former-zag-eli",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T02:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/gonzaga-product-william-kempner-undergo-020100225.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "William Kempner, a former Gonzaga baseball standout, is set to undergo elbow surgery, placing him on the injured list for a minimum of a year. The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher made his Major League Baseball debut on May 5, 2024, with the Miami Marlins and showcased potential in his first nine games, posting a 2.92 ERA and collecting 14 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings pitched. Kempner has maintained a 3.51 ERA in 37 games across Triple-A over the past two seasons.\n\nIn early 2025, Kempner was selected third round by the San Francisco Giants but was subsequently traded to the Miami Marlins. Meanwhile, former Gonzaga product Eli Morgan, also known as Kansas City Royals reliever, was removed from the club's 40-man roster to accommodate pitcher Tony Gonsolin, a 2022 All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Morgan was placed on waivers and subsequently designated for assignment after appearing in 16 games for the MLB team this season. The 30-year-old right-hander has a 5.12 ERA in Major League Baseball games this season but has been impressive for Omaha, posting a 4-0 record with a 1.40 ERA in 22 appearances in the bullpen.",
  "summary": "Aug. 15—Miami Marlins reliever William Kempner, a former Gonzaga standout, will reportedly undergo elbow surgery and is expected to be sidelined for at least the next 12 months. The 25-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut May 5 and showed promise in nine games for the Marlins, recording a 2.92 ERA and 14 strikeouts against four walks over 12 1/3 innings pitched. Kempner has a 3.51 ERA in ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Gonzaga pitcher William Kempner to undergo elbow surgery",
    "25-year-old right-handed pitcher makes MLB debut May 5, 2024",
    "Morgan designated for assignment after 16 games with Marlins"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kempner's surgery and lengthy recovery diminish his immediate prospects while Morgan's designation for assignment puts his MLB status at risk, allowing the Royals to make roster space for other pitchers.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}