ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ Rubby De La Rosa to undergo second Tommy John surgery

Aug 17, 2017, 9:49 AM
Arizona Diamondbacks' Rubby De La Rosa throws a pitch against the Colorado Rockies during the first...

Arizona Diamondbacks' Rubby De La Rosa throws a pitch against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Rubby De La Rosa is about to join an exclusive club, yet one nobody wants to be a member of.

Manager Torey Lovullo made the announcement prior to Thursday’s game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

De La Rosa hasn’t pitched for the D-backs since working an inning out of the bullpen in a 16-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 1. On the season, he has split time between Arizona and the minors, where he has pitched at Triple-A Reno, Single-A Visalia and one game in the Arizona Rookie League.

With the Diamondbacks, he posted an 0-1 record and a 4.70 ERA in nine relief appearances. His most extensive work came in Reno, where he went 1-2 with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in 19 appearances covering 20.1 innings.

De La Rosa missed nearly three weeks with right shoulder inflammation in July.

The Dominican native had Tommy John surgery in August of 2011 when he was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Incidentally, he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament delivering a pitch to Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks in July 31 game that year.

Last season, De La Rosa underwent stem cell therapy to deal with elbow discomfort. It was seen as a last resort before opting for another surgery.

De La Rosa lands on the dubious list of pitchers who have had two or more Tommy John surgeries, joining Pittsburgh reliever and former D-back Daniel Hudson and former Miami and Toronto hurler Josh Johnson, who had the procedure done three times.

Current Arizona pitcher Shelby Miller had the surgery in May.

The expected recovery time for a pitcher who undergoes the surgery is one year.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar #1 of the National League throws for the third out in the fourth inning during the Si...
Kellan Olson

ESPN’s Passan buying D-backs rise, eyeing Jordan Lawlar 2023 debut

Could the Arizona Diamondbacks be much more competitive a year earlier than expected? ESPN's Jeff Passan believes so.
1 day ago
Catcher Carson Kelly #18 of the Arizona Diamondbacks prepares to take the field before the MLB game...
Tyler Drake

D-backs’ Carson Kelly dealing with forearm fracture, no timeline for return

The Arizona Diamondbacks will have to navigate the beginning of the regular season without starting catcher Carson Kelly.
2 days ago
Munetaka Murakami #55 of Team Japan celebrates after hitting a two-run double to defeat Team Mexico...
Associated Press

Japan walks off Mexico to set up World Baseball Classic final vs. USA

Shohei Ohtani sparked a ninth-inning rally as Japan walked off Mexico 6-5 to advance to the World Baseball Classic final against Team USA.
3 days ago
Tommy Henry #47 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning of the game against the...
Arizona Sports

LHP Henry optioned as D-backs key in on final starting candidates

The Diamondbacks optioned Tommy Henry to Triple-A on Monday, whittling down their options to cement the backend of their starting rotation.
3 days ago
Starting pitcher Merrill Kelly #29 of Team USA throws a warm-up pitch during the first inning of th...
Alex Weiner

D-backs’ Merrill Kelly set up to start World Baseball Classic final for Team USA

Team USA "looks like" it will turn to Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly in the World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday. 
3 days ago
Paul Goldschmidt #46 of Team USA celebrates with Moookie Betts #3 after hitting a two-run home run ...
Associated Press

Turner, Goldschmidt lead Team USA to WBC final with win vs. Cuba

Defending champion United States romped over Cuba 14-2 on Sunday night to reach its second straight World Baseball Classic final.
4 days ago
D-backs’ Rubby De La Rosa to undergo second Tommy John surgery