D-backs reliever Bracho to have Tommy John surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Silvino Bracho will have Tommy John surgery and miss the 2019 season, the team announced Wednesday. After being pulled from his spring training appearance Sunday with discomfort in his right elbow, an MRI revealed a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament. Dr. James Andrews confirmed the diagnosis.

Bracho, 26, posted a 3.19 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 31 innings out of the Arizona bullpen last season. "It hurts," Diamondbacks assistant general manager Jared Porter said to Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. "You never want to lose a piece of your group, someone that was kind of likely going to be on the team."

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Bracho had not experienced any pain before Sunday's outing. Candidates to replace Bracho in the bullpen include right-handers Matt Andriese, Jimmie Sherfy, Yoan Lopez, Joey Krehbiel and Rule 5 draft pick Nick Green.

--Field Level Media