Crow opts for season-ending Tommy John surgery

MIAMI -- After getting a second opinion, Marlins reliever Aaron Crow has decided to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery to repair a right elbow ligament tear. The procedure will be performed on Wednesday by Dr. David Altchek in New York City.

Crow experienced discomfort in his throwing arm in late March, and he was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. Recovery time from the surgery is around 14 months.

"Any time you go into a season, you don't expect to lose a guy so quickly," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "He is part of that depth we've talked about having. It's nice to have. To lose him, that's a blow. You never know when you're going to need those guys."

The Marlins acquired Crow from the Royals in November. The 28-year-old was an All-Star as a rookie in 2011. In four seasons with Kansas City, Crow was 20-11 with a 3.43 ERA in 254 games.

In Spring Training, Crow was competing for a bullpen spot, and he appeared in seven games and threw eight innings. He last pitched on March 28, and the next morning he experienced pain in his elbow.

An MRI exam taken shortly afterward revealed a ligament tear, and surgery was recommended.

Crow's injury cleared the way for Sam Dyson to make the club, although Dyson may have won the spot anyway.

"I feel bad for him more than anything, because I know he was looking forward to a fresh start with us, and getting a chance to go out and help us win ballgames," Redmond said of Crow. "He's not going to be able to do that."