The Tampa Bay Rays have suffered a big blow with news that left-handed starter Jeffrey Springs likely will have to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reported Tuesday.
Springs, 31, was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, but Topkin says that move was largely procedural — allowing the team to call up Taj Bradley for an evening start in Cincinnati.
Recovery from Tommy John surgery usually takes 12 to 15 months.
Springs exited last Thursday's game against the Boston Red Sox with what was originally called a nerve issue, but further evaluation determined it was a more serious injury.
Springs is 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA in three starts this season after signing a four-year, $31-million extension this off-season.
Springs transitioned from the bullpen to a starting role last year and went 8-5 with a 2.64 ERA in 24 starts.
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