Right-handed pitcher Casey Kelly may have to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery.
On Tuesday Kelly had tests done on his elbow, which has been sore for several weeks.
According to Padres.com he had the X-rays done in San Diego by team doctors.
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Kelly came into camp hoping to earn a spot in the rotation, not one of the guarantees but a youngster with a definite shot. He wanted to increase his workload from last season’s light 66 2/3 innings between the Minors and Majors.
He began 2012 in Triple-A Tucson then missed five months with a right elbow strain. Kelly made his major league debut as a pitcher in August when he pitched six shutout innings against the Braves.
Kelly came to the Padres as a part of the Adrian Gonzalez trade to the Red Sox in 2010 along with Anthony Rizzo. He started out as a shortstop for Boston and then was converted to a pitcher during his time with them.
But for the 23-year old hoping to make a bigger splash this season on the mound, the tests don’t look good.
“The doctors are concerned about what the tests look like,” said manager Bud Black. “It’s the part of the elbow we’re definitely concerned about.”
Two teammates- Corey Leubke and Joe Wieland, had Tommy John surgery last season.
"There's going to be a lot of discussion between Casey and Casey's family," Black said. "I assume they'll want a second opinion. We want to make sure the right course of action will occur."
