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Report: Rays' All-Star reliever Kittredge to undergo Tommy John surgery

Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Tampa Bay Rays lost a key component of their bullpen for the long haul, as All-Star right-hander Andrew Kittredge needs Tommy John surgery to repair a damaged ligament in his elbow, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

The Rays placed Kittredge on the injured list with right elbow discomfort on Thursday. He was initially going to have arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow before doctors discovered more damage, according to Topkin.

Rehabilitation time following Tommy John surgery is typically between 12-15 months for a pitcher.

Kittredge enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2021, posting a sparkling 1.88 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with 77 strikeouts in 57 appearances. Those numbers earned him the first All-Star nod of his career.

The 32-year-old wasn't repeating those stats this year but remained an important bullpen weapon for manager Kevin Cash. Kittredge walked just two batters and tallied 14 strikeouts in 20 innings in 2022 while recording a 3.15 ERA and 0.85 WHIP.

A multitude of pitching injuries has so far stalled Tampa Bay's quest to repeat as AL East champions this year. The team's bullpen has been hit particularly hard, with six relievers currently on the IL.

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