Ivan Nova has partial UCL tear in right elbow

The New York Yankees sent Ivan Nova for further tests on his sore right elbow to see if the injury was something more serious. Unfortunately for them, it is in fact another elbow injury to be added to the list of pitcher elbow injuries this year.

Per Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, Nova has a partial UCL tear:

The injury might go to explain why Nova has had some rough patches so far this season, as his season ERA is now up to 8.27. As for the injury itself, the Yankees will now face the same process that the Tampa Bay Rays did recently with Matt Moore and his partially torn UCL. They can opt to send Nova for a second opinion, likely to the one and only Dr. James Andrews. From there, they will have to decide if the tear could be healed with rest and rehab or if Tommy John surgery will be required.

While it seems silly to try to contextualize a season while it is happening, that does not stop us from doing so anyway. Not too long ago we had the “year of the pitcher.” This might be the “year of Tommy John surgery” the way things are going. The Yankees are hoping Nova can avoid being added to that list.