Reds right-hander Edinson Volquez is expected to miss the rest of this season and the first half of next year, too, after having reconstructive elbow surgery Monday, another major setback for fading Cincinnati.
Volquez had surgery, commonly known as Tommy John surgery, to replace a torn ligament and repair other damage in his right elbow, which has sidelined him for the last two months. The typical recovery time is 12 months.
The Reds got Volquez from Texas for Josh Hamilton before the 2008 season. The trade worked out fantastically for both teams – Hamilton and Volquez both made the All-Star game last year. Volquez quickly became the Reds’ top starter, going 17-6 with a 3.21 ERA.
He also threw a career-high 196 innings, far more than he’d ever thrown in a season. The Reds were concerned over his decision to play winter baseball and participate in the World Baseball Classic.
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Reds manager Dusty Baker, however, said there was no proof that Volquez’s workload was responsible for the injury.
Season-ending surgery for Webb, too
Arizona Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb had shoulder surgery, putting an end to a difficult season for the usually durable right-hander.
Arizona was expected to be a playoff contender this year with Webb and Dan Haren at the front of its rotation. But Webb never pitched again after a no-decision against Colorado on opening day and the Diamondbacks quickly fell off the pace in the NL West.
Until this season, Webb had made only one trip to the DL as a major leaguer, missing 15 days with right elbow tendinitis in 2003.
The 30-year-old former Cy Young winner pitched more than 200 innings every season from 2004-2008.
Short hops
Astros ace Roy Oswalt will skip his next scheduled start because he still felt pain in his lower back after a bullpen session Monday. Forced to leave his previous outing because of an irritated disk, Oswalt was scheduled to start tonight against San Francisco. … Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Corey Hart, who underwent an appendectomy in San Diego on Sunday night, was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Third baseman Bill Hall was recalled.
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