ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Alex Cobb has decided to have season-ending Tommy John surgery to repair a "significant" tear in his throwing elbow.
Cobb discussed his plans Friday at Tropicana Field.
"I felt like it's probably the best decision to go ahead and get the surgery done," Cobb said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. "It's a tough decision because you want to hold on to every last hope of being able to pitch this year and contribute, but I think not only for my own future but going into next season and contributing for the team next year, better not to waste any more time. Just go ahead and do it."
Cobb said he hopes to return to pitching in September 2016.
It was a day full of bad news for the Tampa Bay rotation.
After the team's 8-2 victory over the Rangers, Tampa Bay put another starter, Drew Smyly, on the 15-day disabled list due to left shoulder stiffness. In addition, Saturday night's scheduled starter, Jake Odorizzi, was scratched due to the flu.
"We just get back to work," their fellow starter Nathan Karns said. "Next guy comes in, he's got a job to fill. Pretty much how we've been all year. We have depth, so that's a good thing."