You really have to feel for Angels pitcher Sean Burnett right about now.
In just his third appearance since returning from elbow surgery last season, Burnett left Tuesday's game after facing just one batter, and on Wednesday, was diagnosed with a torn UCL in his left elbow.
The lefty reliever will miss the remainder of the season.
Burnett, who had Tommy John surgery in 2004, could undergo the procedure again after barely returning from a nine-month rehab from elbow surgery last August.
After Tuesday's game, a choked-up Burnett had to cut an interview short after just 30 seconds.
Awful...feel for the kid. RT @JeffFletcherOCR: #Angels LHP Sean Burnett has a torn UCL.
— Victor Rojas (@VictorRojas29) May 28, 2014
"Immediately, my heart went out for him," said Angels catcher Chris Iannetta. "You knew something was wrong. With all he's been through the last few years, he worked his butt off to get back. He's just had a string of bad luck. He was pitching real well."
The Angels signed Burnett to a two-year, $8 million deal in 2012, but played in just 13 games last season after tearing a flexor tendon.
"He's worked his [tail] off to get back to this point," said teammate Jered Weaver. "He's a great guy, he wants to go out there and help this team win. I know he's really frustrated. It's a tough time for him now. He was feeling good, and it happened on one pitch. It's frustrating for him and for us too. We want him out there."
With Burnett to the DL, the Angels on Wednesday recalled righty Matt Shoemaker from Triple-A.
