Guardians' Lively to have UCL surgery, miss 12-16 months

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Ben Lively is expected to undergo surgery to repair a damaged flexor tendon and ulnar collateral ligament, the team announced Friday.

He could miss 12-16 months after the surgery.

Lively recently visited with Dr. Keith Meister to seek a second opinion on his elbow, which was injured during a May 12 start against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Meister confirmed Lively has a flexor tendon injury and a loose medial elbow joint due to "an insufficient ulnar collateral ligament."

The 33-year-old has been solid for the Guardians in 2025, authoring a career-best 3.22 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in nine starts.