Tigers lose Spurling for season

[WebHamster]

Lakeland, FL (Sports Network) - The Detroit Tigers received some bad news Thursday when they were informed that pitcher Chris Spurling will miss the entire season with an elbow injury.

The 26-year-old reliever was diagnosed with a frayed ligament in his right elbow and will need season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Spurling was 1-3 with a 4.68 ERA and three saves in 77 innings last season for Detroit.

The righthander felt discomfort throughout training camp, but was trying to pitch through it. However, after pitching tentatively in a simulated game on Monday, Spurling sensed something was seriously wrong. After getting tested in Detroit he went to noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion, which was also not good.

The procedure, which replaces the damaged ligament, could take place in the next few days.