We learned late last night that Rubby De La Rosa was diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. Unfortunately the injury will require the worst case scenario.
The Dodgers just announced that De La Rosa will undergo Tommy John surgery, a procedure that will likely keep him sidelined through most, if not all, of the 2012 season.
De La Rosa, 22, began this season as a starter with Double-A Chattanooga, but was promoted in late-May to pitch out of the Dodgers’ bullpen. He made just three relief appearances before joining the starting rotation in the first week of July. Who knows if moving the young right-hander from the rotation to the bullpen and back during the same season had any impact on his elbow, but it’s at least something to ponder.
Either way, this is very unfortunate news. De La Rosa has been a real treat to watch in what has been a dismal season for the Dodgers.