Minnesota Twins pitcher Mike Pelfrey undergoes elbow surgery
By Brad Rowland
It has been more than a month since the Minnesota Twins placed starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey on the disabled list as a result of groin issues, but unfortunately for both the player and the team, that was apparently just the beginning. Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the veteran right-hander will now be sidelined for an additional 2 to 4 months as a result of elbow surgery.
Mike Pelfrey had surgery on his right elbow to relieve pressure on his ulnar nerve. Recovery period said to be anywhere from 2-4 months.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) June 10, 2014
At this point in time, the 30-year-old Pelfrey is best known as the recipient of an incredibly fortunate two-year contract during the 2013 off-season, but with regard to his future on the mound, this diagnosis certainly isn’t a positive. Elbow troubles would certainly help to explain a portion of Pelfrey’s woes in 2014, but with an ERA of 7.99 (FIP of 7.52) over more than 23 innings of work, “disastrous” is the word that comes to mind.
Against all odds, the Minnesota Twins are currently in the thick of the playoff race, but if this timetable proves to be true, Pelfrey could easily be on the shelf for the remainder of the regular season, leaving a void in Minnesota’s starting rotation. The Twins have already made an interesting addition by signing free agent first baseman Kendrys Morales, but it will be interesting to see if they hit the market for pitching help in the wake of this unfortunate news.