Marlins reliever Aaron Crow to have Tommy John surgery Wednesday
MIAMI -- Miami Marlins right-handed reliever Aaron Crow will undergo Tommy John surgery Wednesday in New York.
Crow, who felt discomfort in his right elbow March 29 following his final spring appearance, has a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Dr. David Altchek, the Mets team physician, will perform the procedure.
The Marlins acquired Crow, who is arbitration-eligible at the end of the season, over the winter in a deal with the Kansas City Royals for pitchers Brian Flynn and Reid Redman. Over 254 appearances, Crow went 20-11 with a 3.43 ERA. As a rookie, he made the 2011 American League All-Star team.
The 28-year-old righty posted a 1-0 record and 2.25 ERA in seven relief outings for the Marlins this spring. In eight innings, he allowed two runs on six hits with four walks and nine strikeouts. During his final game on March 28 against the Houston Astros, he hit a better, walked one, struck out another and gave up a hit in a scoreless, 11-pitch frame.
Last month, Crow said he was fine until the following day, when he came in extra sore and couldn't throw. He has never had surgery before. The rehabilitation process usually takes 12-18 months.
Righty Sam Dyson earned the final bullpen spot, making his first Opening Day roster. Miami does have extra arms with major-league experience in Triple-A New Orleans in righties Carter Capps and Preston Claiborne, as well as lefty Andre Rienzo. All three are on the 40-man roster.
"Going into the season, you don't expect to a lose a guy so quickly," manager Mike Redmond said. "He is a part of that depth we talk about having. It's nice to have. To lose him -- that's a blow because you never know when you're going to need those guys. I feel bad for him more than anything because I know he was looking forward to a fresh start with us and a chance to go out and help us win ballgames, and he's not going to be able to do that."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
