Rogers has UCL strain, may need surgery

June 26th, 2019

BALTIMORE -- A day after complaining of elbow soreness, Orioles rookie Josh Rogers was diagnosed with a UCL sprain in his left elbow Wednesday and it could require surgery.

Rogers said he is planning to travel to Dallas to seek a second opinion from orthopedic surgeon Keith Meister. He originally alerted the club to discomfort following Tuesday’s 8-3 loss to the Padres, during which Rogers allowed three runs in 2 1/3 innings of relief.

The O's placed Rogers on the 10-day injured list while awaiting results of an MRI, recalling reliever Paul Fry from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. Rogers said initial testing revealed structural damage.

“I’m pretty concerned,” Rogers said. “The level of concern for everybody is pretty high. It’s not good. I know that.”

Acquired in the Zack Britton trade last summer, Rogers has gone 1-3 with an 8.65 ERA in eight games for the Orioles since. He owns an 8.79 ERA in five appearances this season, used primarily in the middle innings of bullpen games lately as the O's scramble for ways to cover their lack of starting depth.

They’ve also been forced to endure long stretches without Alex Cobb, who underwent season-ending right hip surgery earlier this month, and right-hander Nate Karns, who has missed most of the year due to right forearm discomfort.

“I felt something in my elbow, something different,” Rogers said. “It’s super unfortunate and real disappointing. Hopefully I’ll be back stronger.”