SAN DIEGO -- Padres right-hander Luis Patiño underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, the club said, putting an end to his 2024 season before it started.

The hard-throwing 24-year-old was claimed off waivers in December, returning to the franchise with which he began his career. Patiño, who was a late arrival to camp because of a visa issue, made two Spring Training appearances before landing on the injured list with right elbow inflammation at the start of the season.

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Once a top Padres prospect, Patiño was sent to the Rays as part of the Blake Snell trade in December 2020. He spent parts of three seasons with Tampa Bay before he was dealt to the White Sox at the Trade Deadline last summer. In four big league seasons, Patiño owns a 5.02 ERA, though he notched a solid 3.57 ERA down the stretch with the White Sox, offering some reason for optimism.

Instead, Patiño will miss the 2024 season after undergoing surgery on Tuesday in Los Angeles, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. It’s worth wondering where his second Padres tenure is headed, as Patiño will be eligible for salary arbitration this winter.