Ryan Madson Requires Tommy John Surgery

Yesterday John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Reds closer Ryan Madson requires Tommy John surgery.  Madson received the diagnosis after traveling back to Cincinnati to have his ailing right elbow examined.  Madson will be sidelined for the entire 2012 season following the procedure.

While in Cincinnati, it was determined that Madson’s ulnar collateral ligament “was torn off the bone”.  Fay added that because the Reds deal with Madson was only for one year, they weren’t eligible for contract insurance.

Having to basically eat $8.5 million hurts, but the situation appears even bleaker for Madson.  The 31-year-old entered the offseason hoping to land a lucrative, long-term contract but instead settled for a one-year pact with the Reds.  Now, set to become a free agent following the season coming off of Tommy John surgery, Madson figures to command even less of a deal until he proves healthy and able to pitch.

Losing your closer this late in the spring is never a good thing, but the Reds do have a viable alternative in Sean Marshall.  Before Madson’s injury, the Reds said they viewed Marshall as a closer candidate down the road and extended him through 2015.

The left-hander is currently the favorite to close in Cincinnati.  As a major league reliever, Marshall has maintained an ERA and WHIP 2.67 and 1.183 with 9.4 SO/9.  He also saved five games for the Cubs last season.

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