Rays starting pitcher Alex Cobb told reporters Friday he will have season-ending Tommy John surgery. Cobb did not make one start for Tampa Bay in 2015 and had been on the disabled list all season.
The right-hander was hoping to pitch through a partially torn ligament in his right elbow. However, he found out it was actually a full tear in his UCL, which made the decision to have surgery easier.
Pitchers usually need 12-18 months of recovery time after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Cobb is undergoing the surgery Thursday and is targeting a Sept. 2016 return.
"I've never seen Alex back down from a challenge. Hopefully he's back next year pitching for us in October," Rays general manager Matt Silverman said.
The 27-year-old Cobb is 35-23 with a 3.21 ERA in 81 starts in four seasons for the Rays.