Tampa Bay Rays Matt Moore has made the decision to undergo Tommy John surgery after it was discovered that he had a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament last week. The surgery effectively means that Moore’s season is done, and he will likely miss the start of next year as well.
Moore left his last start last Monday against the Kansas City Royals with pain in his elbow. He said the pain was similar to, but not as severe as, the pain in the same location he experienced last summer that forced him to the disabled list for more than a month. The partial tear may also explain why Moore has lost velocity since his rookie season in 2011.
“What was coming out, it’s a shame to be have to be shut down right now but it just wasn’t comfortable,” Moore told the Tampa Bay Times. “Being stuck in the position I am right now, where it’s not exactly comfortable but it’s not exactly completely broke, it’s kind of one of those things where you know it’s going to get worse.”
Dr. James Andrews will perform the surgery on April 22nd.
The 24-year-old left-hander was 17-4 with a 3.29 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 143 strikeouts in 150 1/3 innings last season. He has lost both of his starts this season but has a 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and six strikeouts in 10 innings pitched.
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