Diamondbacks’ Shelby Miller diagnosed with UCL tear

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Shelby Miller suffers tear of Ulnar Collateral Ligament tear and flexor strain. Treatment options included surgery.

Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher Shelby Miller’s season maybe over. On Monday, the team placed the right-handed pitcher on the 10-day disabled list, pending examinations. Those exams showed a major concern.

After seeing team physician Gary Walewski and Dr. Neal El Attrache in Phoenix, the team sent Miller’s MRI to Dr. James Andrews. Dr. Andrews is a noted surgeon who works on athletics regularly.  The news that returned is do not provide optimism.

A tear of the UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) once was considered a career-ending injury. Several pitchers over the decades suffered the same injury and were never the same. Some never pitched in Major League Baseball again. While most athletes opt for Tommy John Surgery, named after pitcher Tommy John, other options exist. Still, nothing is certain to lead to big league performance.

Tommy John Surgery consists of a reconstruction of the UCL through a surgical graft. A tendon from another of the body or through a donor is used to rebuild the torn ligament. Recovery to full use of the elbow can take up to a full year.

The amount of torque on the arm from breaking balls and over use of the arm are leading causes of this type of injury. On average, 19 MLB players elect for the surgery.

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Miller looked to rebound this season after a difficult 2016 season. Considered a top-line starter after his first four seasons, Miller posted a 6.15 ERA in 20 games last year. In four starts this season, his ERA is 4.09, allowing 10 runs in 22 innings. All signs pointed to a strong season. Now, it leaves the NL West second best team looking for help.