Joe Wieland last started a game for the Padres on May 6. Here's what came next:

Manager Bud Black told Jerry Coleman today that RHP Joe Wieland has "a little bit of an elbow issue that we might have to be cautious on"

— Jack Cronin (@JackCronin1090) May 9, 2012

Sounds so minor, right? Just "a little bit of an elbow issue." Nothing to worry about. Maybe a missed start. Wieland wound up going on the disabled list with right elbow tightness. He began a throwing program with the hopes of getting back to the majors, but earlier this month, Wieland experienced a setback. He was examined, he had some conversations, and now:

Bud Black just told us Joe Wieland will have TJ surgery. #Padres

— Follow The Padres (@FollowThePadres) July 17, 2012

For the Padres, it's just another blow to a pitching staff in tatters. Not that Wieland was on the roster or anything, but the Padres didn't exactly need another Tommy John surgery after what they've been through. The good news is that Wieland's course should be predictable -- he ought to have a successful operation and be back to pitching at a high level next July or so. Not the end of the world. But just another promising Padres pitcher has come down with a serious injury. The Padres have earned their bad record, but not with the roster they thought they'd have.

Wieland's 22, and rose quickly after embarrassing his opponents in single-A. He made five starts for San Diego before getting hurt.