Mariners' Ray has torn UCL repaired while undergoing flexor tendon surgery
Seattle Mariners left-hander Robbie Ray underwent surgery Wednesday to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, the team announced.
The Tommy John surgery was performed in conjunction with a previously-scheduled procedure to repair Ray's torn flexor tendon.
Seattle had already ruled out Ray for the rest of the season due to the flexor injury. But he may also miss part of 2024 because of the additional elbow ailment. While the typical recovery time from flexor surgery is between six-to-nine months, a UCL repair can sideline pitchers for as long as 12-18 months.
The Mariners didn't provide an updated timeline for the 31-year-old's potential return. However, the club said Ray would spend the next two-to-three weeks recovering from the surgery and then begin the first phase of his rehab in Arizona.
Ray made just one start for Seattle this season, allowing five runs in 3.1 innings on March 31 before being placed on the injured list. The club initially hoped he'd return later in the season, but additional testing discovered more damage to his flexor tendon that necessitated surgery.
Ray, the 2021 AL Cy Young winner, joined the Mariners on a five-year, $115-million contract on the heels of his award-winning campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays. He helped the franchise end its 20-year playoff drought in his first season with the team, posting a 3.71 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 212 strikeouts over 189 innings.
The Tennessee native is earning $21 million this year and can opt out of his contract after next season.