Reports: Marlins' Jose Fernandez Faces Major Surgery

Jose Fernandez is headed to the disabled list for the first time in his career with a right elbow sprain

The Miami Marlins have waited years for a star like Cuban pitcher Jose Fernandez to re-energize the franchise and the fan base. But, Fernandez's torrid start to his career looks like it is going to be derailed by season-ending Tommy John surgery.

According to Juan Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, based on the information gathered, Fernandez will require the ligament replacement surgery nicknamed Tommy John surgery.

The surgery entails replacing the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. The typical recovery time for the surgery is anywhere from 12-18 months.

The Marlins haven't addressed the reports that Fernandez will need the surgery, but did place the star pitcher on the disabled list Monday with what was described a right elbow strain.

The Miami Marlins announced on Monday that ace Jose Fernandez is being placed on the disabled list with a right elbow sprain.

Fernandez has enjoyed wild success ever since joining the team to begin the 2013 season. After winning the Rookie of the Year award, Fernandez began this season on a great run that made Cy Young talk seem appropriate.

Thus far on the year, Fernandez has a 2.44 E.R.A and 70 strikeouts in his 51.2 innings pitched.

In his last start this past Friday in San Diego, Fernandez struggled in a big way allowing six runs, five of which were earned in only five innings on the mound. His fastball was a little slower than normal and he threw off-speed pitches in fastball counts.

The assumption for most was that it was simply not his day and that Fernandez did not have his best stuff. After the game, it was reported that an upset stomach could be a reason for the ineffectiveness as well.

Besides John, other famous pitchers who have had the major surgery include: John Smoltz, Chris Carpenter, Josh Johnson, Tim Hudson, Jordan Zimmerman, and Stephen Strasburg.

This year, there have been at least 12 pitchers who have needed the surgery since spring training began.

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