MRI on Yu Darvish's elbow reveals UCL sprain, may require Tommy John surgery
The Texas Rangers received some potentially disastrous injury news Saturday.
An MRI on staff ace Yu Darvish's pitching elbow revealed a sprained UCL, reports Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.
Darvish issued the following statement regarding the devastating news:
"I will be disappointed if I have to miss the season but want to look at all options, including getting a second opinion."
General manager Jon Daniels also addressed the situation:
Jon Daniels says 3 options for Darvish: 1) pitch thru it "not a good option" 2) rest/rehab "which we did in fall" 3) Tommy John surgery
— Bill Jones (@CBS11BillJones) March 7, 2015
Daniels projects Darvish would be out for at least four months even if he elects to forego season-ending Tommy John surgery and rehab the injury. Darvish will visit New York-based specialist Dr. David Altchek on Tuesday for a second opinion.
Darvish was shut down at the end of last season due to elbow inflammation, and left his first spring start this week after 12 pitches and only one inning of work due to right triceps tightness.
The Rangers, who previously had in-depth talks with the Philadelphia Phillies about acquiring lefty Cole Hamels, may now be more aggressive in their pursuit with the news of the Darvish injury. New York Mets right-hander Dillon Gee could also be another trade target, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin.
Darvish, who isn't slated to become a free agent until 2018 and is owed $31 million by the Rangers, went 10-7 with a 3.06 ERA in 22 starts last season.
The Rangers pitching staff was devastated by injuries a year ago, which led to a miserable 67-95 campaign.