Matt Moore to have Tommy John surgery

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Rays’ all-star Matt Moore will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair an injury he sustained on April 7 against the Kansas City Royals.  Moore missed time in 2013 with an elbow injury as well, but he was still able to go 17-4 with a 3.29 ERA.  Moore’s 2014 season ends after only ten innings and two losses.

Moore is one of the bright young stars for Tampa Bay.  He signed a five-year, $14 million contract at the end of 2011.  With a fastball in the upper 90s, he will hope to retain that velocity after the surgery that so many of today’s pitchers go through.  It is a wonder when a pitcher has not had Tommy John at some point in his career, but Moore will go under the knife next week and will be out for the remainder of the season.

This comes as a blow to the Rays who are already without Jeremy Hellickson who is rehabbing from injury.  Alex Cobb was also recently placed on the disabled list as Tampa recalled Brad Boxberger from Triple-A Durham.

With Moore out, that leaves David Price and Chris Archer alongside Jake Odorizzi as the guaranteed starters.  Outside of that, Cesar Ramos and Erik Bedard should look to close out the rotation as of now.

Moore’s Tommy John will be done by renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews.  Moore is only 24 years old and will hopefully be back by spring training next season.