Yankees' Nova headed to DL with partially torn UCL
After a brutal start in what's been a tough beginning to his 2014 campaign, Ivan Nova will be placed on the DL by the Yankees.
An MRI Saturday night, after a start against the Tampa Bay Rays in which Nova gave up four home runs while feeling discomfort in his throwing elbow, revealed that he has a partial tear of his right ulnar collateral ligament.
The Yankees and their team doctors have yet to reveal the full severity of the injury, which often necessitates season-ending Tommy John surgery. Nova is expected to undergo more tests in the coming days to determine the course of action for his recovery.
It's the latest in what's becoming a disturbing trend in 2014, which has seen a slew of talented young pitchers lost to elbow injuries, including the Mets' Matt Harvey, Braves' Kris Medlen, Athletics' Jarrod Parker, Diamondbacks' Patrick Corbin, Pirates' Jameson Taillon, and Rays' Matt Moore.
If Nova does in fact need Tommy John, it will be the 15th such surgery this season.