DENVER (AP) — Colorado Rockies reliever Rafael Betancourt has decided to have Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his pitching elbow.
Rockies manager Walt Weiss said Friday that the 38-year-old Betancourt wants to pitch again, so this is probably the best course of action.
Betancourt was injured a week ago while attempting to close out a game against Philadelphia. An MRI confirmed he had torn his ulnar collateral ligament, and he was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Initially, Betancourt considered undergoing platelet-rich plasma therapy, followed by a rehab program. But he changed his mind, deciding he should get the damaged ligament repaired to give him the best chance to resume his career. He is likely to be sidelined for at least a year.
