Nick Tropeano wasn’t long for Monday’s start, as he lasted just two innings and yielded four runs on three hits (all homers) and a walk with two strikeouts. He exited with right elbow soreness and was scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday.
The results from that MRI are in and, unfortunately, Tropeano has been diagnosed with a medium- to high-grade UCL tear in his right elbow, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports. Tropeano will have a second opinion, but he is likely looking at Tommy John surgery.
I sang Tropeano’s praises prior to yesterday’s start in Monday’s preview, highlighting how good he’s been for the Angels. He’ll hit the disabled list with a 3.56 ERA and a 68/31 K/BB ratio in 68 1/3 innings. Tyler Skaggs will likely take his place in the rotation.
As DiGiovanna notes, Tropeano is the third Angels pitcher to suffer a torn UCL this season, joining Garrett Richards and Andrew Heaney.