Rumors began to swirl last week that Carlos Carrasco would need Tommy John surgery – ending not only his 2011 season but almost certainly wiping out all of his 2012 season. Those rumors were confirmed this afternoon, with the AP’s Tom Withers, among others, reporting that he will indeed undergo TJ surgery and have the 2012 season wiped out. Carrasco was 8-9 with a 4.62 ERA in 21 games this season. He was the club’s best and most reliable starter through this season’s rough June stretch. Carrasco went to the DL on August 8th, in the middle of serving a suspension for throwing at the Royals’ Billy Butler. He experienced elbow inflammation – a symptom which often portends Tommy John and missed seasons. The surgery will take place next Wednesday in New York City. Paul Hoynes reminds us that the only healthy and contributing (use that term loosely) bodies left from the Cliff Lee deal are Lou Marson and Jason Donald.
MLB.com and Tribe beat reporter Jordan Bastian tweets that Tribe trainer Lonnie Soloff has said that Carrasco likely suffered a traumatic elbow injury as a teenager as the MRI revealed damage consistent with an old injury.
To add a little extra spice to the Tuesday afternoon pitching news, Tracy Ringolsby is reporting that Drew Pomeranz will make his Major League debut for the Rockies this Sunday. As the Lee deal reminds us, though, TINSTAAPP!
