Ottavino undergoes Tommy John surgery
Dr. Andrews performs operation; no timetable set for return of Rockies reliever
DENVER -- Rockies closer Adam Ottavino underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery to repair a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Thursday in Pensacola, Fla., the Rockies announced.
The operation was performed by noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews. Ottavino, 29, pitched 10 1/3 scoreless innings over 10 appearances this season, striking out 13 and recording three saves.
Ottavino last pitched on April 25 and was then placed on the 15-day disabled list with right triceps inflammation, although a ligament tear was suspected throughout the process. After Rockies medical director Thomas J. Noonan recommended the surgery, Ottavino visited Andrews for another opinion.
Although many pitchers who undergo Tommy John surgery are back on the mound within a year, the Rockies did not place a timetable on Ottavino's rehab or return, which can be unpredictable based on setbacks that can occur during the process. The last Rockies closer to undergo the surgery, Rafael Betancourt, had it in September 2013 but didn't pitch in the Majors last season and made this year's team out of Spring Training.