D-backs reliever David Hernandez could need Tommy John surgery
Mar 28, 2014, 4:16 PM | Updated: 6:19 pm
And the news keeps getting worse for the Arizona Diamondbacks pitching staff.
First, ace lefty Patrick Corbin had Tommy John surgery earlier this week — a procedure that will keep him out at least a year. Now, the “epidemic” has reportedly hit the bullpen and reliever David Hernandez, as Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal was first to report the pitcher also has damage in his UCL.
The team confirmed the news in a statement:
D-backs pitcher David Hernandez underwent an MRI yesterday that showed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The team will get a second opinion this week.
Hernandez, 28, was looking for a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2013 campaign and it looked like he was headed in that direction. In eight Cactus League outings, the right-hander allowed nine hits and two earned runs over 8.1 innings for an ERA of 2.16. He had struck out five and walked just one.
Hernandez last pitched Wednesday against the Cubs at Salt River Fields, allowing one run in an inning of work in a 14-4 win.
Hernandez could join Corbin, Daniel Hudson and reliever Matt Reynolds as D-backs hurlers in recovery from Tommy John surgeries in the last year.
