Nationals DFA Rick Ankiel, Activate Drew Storen

Drew Storen Injury: Nationals Closer Has Elbow Surgery

Just two days ago, Washington Nationals closer Drew Storen went to see Dr. James Andrews, a renowned expert in baseball pitchers’ injuries.

Dr. Andrews must have found something right away, because:

I was just informed that #Nats closer Drew Storen had minor elbow surgery today. The DRs removed a bone fragment from the elbow. #MLB

— William Ladson (@washingnats) April 11, 2012

No wonder Storen had inflammation in the elbow, and had felt “tenderness” when attempting to throw off a mound earlier this week.

However, the fact that the surgery removed a bone fragment, rather than found some other, more serious injury, is likely good news for Storen and the Nats. When an elbow injury is diagnosed, the words “Tommy John” often come up. That doesn’t appear to be the case here, though there also is not yet a timetable for Storen’s return.

For more on Storen and the Nats, please visit Federal Baseball and SB Nation DC.

Drew Storen Injury: Elbow Sends Nationals Closer To Dr. James Andrews

Drew Storen started the season on the disabled list for the Washington Nationals, and now he's going for a second opinion on his elbow.