Breaking: Nova Opts For Tommy John Surgery

Apr 19, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Ivan Nova (47) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

According to Bryan Hoch, New York Yankees’ pitcher Ivan Nova has opted to have Tommy John surgery. He will have the procedure performed next Tuesday in Birmingham, AL by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Nova injured his elbow last week, feeling a “pop.” He was originally diagnosed with a partially torn UCL, but opted for a second opinion from Andrews.

Nova had struggled this season, going 2-2 with an ERA of 8.27 in four starts. Lefty Vidal Nuno has since taken Nova’s slot in the rotation, and with Michael Pineda‘s recent suspension, David Phelps is most likely to step in for a spot start until Pineda returns. The recovery time for Tommy John surgery is 12-18 months. This is the 15th diagnosed UCL injury resulting in Tommy John surgery this season. Other notable pitchers needing the procedure include Kris Medlen and Josh Johnson. Mets’ ace Matt Harvey is already recovering from the same surgery.

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