MLB Rumors: Rays' Jeffrey Springs to Undergo Tommy John Surgery; Out Until 2024

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jeffrey Springs is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2023 season, according to Marc Topkin of theTampa Bay Times.

The Rays announced Tuesday that Springs was diagnosed with a left elbow flexor strain. He was placed on the 15-day injured list in what Topkins called a "procedural" move so the team could activate Taj Bradley.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said:

"Obviously, he's going on the IL with an elbow issue. I think in fairness to Jeff, he's still processing the information that he's gotten. He met with (Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday). So I think we're a day or two from him coming up with a decision on what is ideal for him and then a timetable from there."

Springs suffered the injury in Thursday's 9-3 win over the Boston Red Sox. He exited the game after tossing three innings with what the team initially described as a nerve issue before further evaluation.

The 30-year-old put together the best season of his career in 2022, posting a 9-5 record with a 2.46 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 144 strikeouts across 135.1 innings.

Springs also had an impressive start to the 2023 campaign, posting a 2-0 record in three starts and a 0.56 ERA, 0.50 WHIP and 24 strikeouts in 16 innings. He was one of the team's best starters alongside Shane McClanahan.

With Springs sidelined, McClanahan will anchor a Tampa Bay rotation that also includes Drew Rasmussen, Josh Fleming and Bradley. Zach Eflin is on the 15-day injured list with lower back tightness.

Bradley is Tampa Bay's No. 1-ranked prospect, per MLB.com. The 22-year-old made his major league debut in an April 12 win over the Red Sox, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out eight in five innings.

The Rays are set to take on the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday and Wednesday at Great American Ball Park before beginning a three-game home series against the Chicago White Sox on Friday.