According to James Jahnke of the Detroit Free Press, Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya has decided to undergo exploratory surgery on his right elbow. The team made the announcement Tuesday.
The surgery will be performed by Dr. James Andrews and will try to determine what is still causing the pain in Zumaya’s right elbow.
Last month, Zumaya opted for a six week rehabilitation program in hopes of avoiding surgery. Since then Zumaya has continued to feel discomfort in his right elbow and will now undergo the surgery that will essentially end his season.
“If they did a surgical procedure, then the timetable isn’t favorable for him to pitch again in 2011, ” head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said last month.
It’s also important to note that after this season Zumaya is eligible for free agency and there is no guarantee that he will ever pitch for the Tigers again.
Source: Detroit Free Press
