Tsuyoshi Wada: Baltimore Orioles Japanese Import Needs Tommy John Surgery

Baltimore Orioles left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada requires Tommy John surgery, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Wada, who has yet to throw a pitch in the majors for the Orioles, was signed this past offseason to a two-year deal worth $8.15 million with a club option for 2014 worth $5 million.

With the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in 2011, Wada posted a minuscule 1.51 ERA through 184.2 innings.

His 8.2 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9 rates were also very strong.

In Triple-A Norfolk this season, Wada struggled in one appearance. He earned the loss in that contest and his ERA was an inflated 20.25 afterwards.

He allowed six runs in 2.2 innings.

Wada will now need a calendar year to recover from surgery. At 31 years old, the Orioles have no choice but to wonder how much longer he can be effective for once he returns.

He doesn't have much mileage on his arm, which is a very good thing for Baltimore. He began his professional career in Japan at age 26, and has never thrown more innings than he did last season.

Even so, Dan Duquette likely can't help but question his decision to sign the Japanese import, especially after shelling out that wada cash—sorry, I couldn't help it.

The Orioles must hope that his surgery goes well and that he can begin his rehab sooner rather than later.