Cardinals’ Rafael Furcal Needs Tommy John Surgery
Published at
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images(JUPITER, Fla.) — The St. Louis Cardinals announced Thursday that shortstop Rafael Furcal will need Tommy John surgery.
Furcal injured his right elbow last August and tried to rehab to avoid surgery, but the announcement on Thursday ended all hopes of his return this season. Furcal has suffered a series of injuries over the past five seasons and was evaluated by Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday.
The Cardinals have Pete Kozma who could fill the void at shortstop or have the option of making a trade.
Kozma batted .333 in 82 plate appearance and helped the Cardinals punch their ticket into the playoffs in 2012.
The team did not say how long Furcal will be out, but Tommy John surgery requires at least 6 to 8 months of recovery. Furcal was entering his 14th season in the league.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio