Ryan Madson will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the upcoming season, according to reports. The newly-acquired Cincinnati Reds closer came down with was deemed "right elbow irritation" in late February, and had been sitting out Spring Training games out of precaution. Now it appears that the injury is a good deal more serious than anticipated.
The news leaves the Reds shorthanded in the bullpen, and manager Dusty Baker scrambling.
Baker: "You don't like it. We know the problem. Now, we've got to come up with the solution. It's how you handle disappointments." #reds
— John Fay (@johnfayman) March 24, 2012
With Madson out, Reds GM Walt Jocketty said that Sean Marshall will likely get the first chance to take over as the team's closer, with Aroldis Chapman possibly returning to the bullpen, as well. Marshall pitched just over 75 innings last season for the Chicago Cubs with a 2.26 ERA.
Madson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Reds in January.
For more on Madson and the Reds, head over to the SB Nation blog Red Reporter.