Rangers prospect Ragans needs 2nd TJ surgery

KANSAS CITY -- Left-hander Cole Ragans, the Rangers' first-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, will need a second Tommy John surgery after tests revealed another tear of the ulnar collateral ligament.

Ragans, 21, who is ranked as the club's No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline, was close to pitching in a game before experiencing elbow discomfort 10 days ago.

"Unfortunately, Cole's graft is torn," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said.

Ragans was examined by Dr. Keith Meister and he underwent an MRI late last week. The MRI was read on Tuesday by Dr. James Andrews and both doctors concurred with the torn the UCL.

Ragans is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery on Wednesday and Meister will perform the procedure.

This marks the first time that a Rangers player has required a second Tommy John surgery during the rehab process.

"It's obviously concerning," Daniels said. "This is the first Tommy John surgery we've had that's failed."

Worth noting
The Rangers also announced that Brock Burke is on the injured list at Double-A Frisco while rehabbing both a blister on his right hand and some left shoulder fatigue. Neither injury is expected to be a long-term issue.

Scott Heineman is progressing in rehab from left shoulder surgery. If all goes well, he could go out on a rehab assignment early next week.