Dodgers RHP Chris Withrow may need Tommy John surgery on elbow
Dodgers right-hander Chris Withrow was diagnosed with a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, which could result in Tommy John surgery, the team announced Thursday.
Withrow, who had been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on May 21, was put on the major league disabled list after being examined by team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who recommended the surgery.
The Dodgers said Withrow, 25, would seek a second opinion before deciding on treatment.
Withrow joins Angels left-hander Sean Burnett on the list of pitchers in need of Tommy John surgery. Burnett, who missed most of last season because of a torn tendon in his elbow, went down again Tuesday night while pitching against the Seattle Mariners.
Burnett is expected to visit orthopedist James Andrews next week to determine if he will undergo a second ligament-replacement operation.
Chris Withrow to seek second opinion following recommendation for Tommy John surgery: http://t.co/AKhPQ8NefP
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 29, 2014
If Withrow and Burnett submit to Tommy John surgery, they would become the 20th and 21st pitchers this year to have it.
Withrow last pitched for the Dodgers on May 20 against the New York Mets but was sent down the next day to make room for pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, who was activated from the DL.
Withrow, however, was not officially added to the Albuquerque roster, and late Wednesday night, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said the medical staff was preparing to release a statement on him.
The hard-throwing right-hander appeared in 20 games this season and had a 2.95 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings.
