Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Atlanta Braves general manager John Schuerholz announced on Friday that reliever Mike Gonzalez needs to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a slight ligament tear in the lower part of his left elbow.An MRI performed by Dr David Altcheck in New York on Thursday revealed the extent of Gonzalez's injury.
Gonzalez, acquired in an offseason trade from Pittsburgh for first baseman Adam LaRoche, had been dominant out of the bullpen. The southpaw had a record of 2-0 with two saves and a stellar 1.59 earned run average in 18 appearances. He was originally placed on 15-day disabled list on May 16 with a left elbow strain.
Recovery from Tommy John surgery typically requires a full year of recovery.