Colorado Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt may have torn his ulnar collateral ligament Thursday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, reports Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
Rafael Betancourt injury: Rockies closer may have torn his UCL
Betancourt will have to undergo Tommy John surgery if he tore his UCL.
Drew Hallowell
Betancourt first noticed the pain in his elbow Wednesday night, but attempted to convince himself that nothing was unusual, telling Renck:
“Sometimes you have soreness after you pitch. (Wednesday) night was different while I was pitching. It was weird. And it was a little sore after the game. (Thursday), I was sore, but you know, I was warming up and I thought I could get get through it.”
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The pain worsened Thursday, forcing Betancourt to exit the game after recording the first two outs of the ninth. An initial evaluation by Rockies trainer Keith Dugger suggests that there is a possible UCL tear, which would require Tommy John surgery.
The surgery would end Betancourt’s season and possible his career; the veteran will turn 39 next April. The Rockies had a $4.25 million mutual option they were prepared to exercise for next season, but Tommy John surgery would likely change their plan.
Colorado had also placed Betancourt on revocable waivers to gauge his trade interest. The right-hander had a 4.08 ERA, saving 16 games in 19 opportunities.
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