Major Elbow Surgery Likely for Nationals' Strasburg

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo announced this morning that pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg will probably require "Tommy John" elbow ligament replacement surgery.

Strasburg left his last start on Saturday with what was was initially diagnosed as a strained tendon in his forearm. But on Thursday he had a second MRI exam that showed a "significant tear of his ulnar collateral ligament," according to Rizzo.

Rizzo said Strasburg will seek a second opinion from Lewis Yocum. If Yocum agrees that surgery is necessary, Strasburg would have the procedure as soon as possible. The recovery time from "Tommy John" surgery for a pitcher is typically at least 12 months, meaning Strasburg would likely miss all of the 2011 season.

"He turned from being upset to being really focused and ready to take on this new thing on his life," Rizzo said of Strasburg, who was not in attendance at the news conference at Nationals Park. "We've had successful ones in the past, and we feel this is going to be no different. Stephen is going to be a dedicated, focused individual."

Strasburg was the first overall pick in the 2009 draft and signed a record $15.1 million contract with the Nationals. He made his pro debut this season, pitching at Class AA and AAA before being promoted to the major leagues in June. He struck out 14 in seven innings vs. the Pirates to earn a victory in his first start, dazzling baseball and creating excitement around a struggling Nationals franchise.