Rays' Cobb has partial tear in throwing elbow, will try to pitch through it
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Alex Cobb has a partial ligament tear in his throwing elbow, but he'll try to pitch through the issue.
The development, as reported Tuesday by the Tampa Bay Times, represents concerning news for Cobb, who has been out since being diagnosed with right forearm tendinitis after a March 17 spring training appearance against the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, Florida. If Cobb is unsuccessful in trying to pitch with the tear, he could have season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Cobb, who was slated to start Opening Day before his injury, was expected to be the anchor of the Rays' rotation this season. So far, those visions have never been lived, and this latest news means Cobb's season could be at risk if his elbow continues to be an issue.
Matt Silverman, the Rays' president of baseball operations, said the team will wait to see how Cobb responds to treatment. Silverman said more information will be known later in the week.
“I can’t tell you too much,” Silverman said from Fenway Park on the Sun Sports broadcast. “We’re going to have a lot more information on Thursday when we’re all back home. But it’s been widely reported he had a setback. He has been going through some tests, and we’re going to know something more definitive. But he’s going to try to battle through and see what he can do and hopefully get back pitching this year for us. But if not, we’ll have to look at those alternatives. But it’s too early now.”
Cobb is 35-23 with a 3.21 ERA with 426 strikeouts in 81 career starts in the majors, all with the Rays.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
