Brandon Beachy injury: Braves P has tear, could need Tommy John surgery

An MRI revealed a partial tear in Atlanta Braves pitcher Brandon Beachy's ulnar collateral ligament, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's David O'Brien reported Monday night. That's usually a prelude to a pitcher needing Tommy John surgery.

Beachy's loss would be a huge blow for the Braves, who are 35-32 and sit 4.5 games back in the National League East race. Beachy was leading the NL in ERA when he got hurt. He was 5-5 on the season with an even 2.00 ERA and 0.96 WHIP.

The Braves placed Beachy on the 15-day disabled list on Monday, two days after leaving Saturday's start against the Baltimore Orioles with soreness in his right throwing elbow.

Earlier in the day, O'Brien reported that Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez was optimistic that Beachy might have just had bone spurs in his elbow. Atlanta general manager Frank Wren did not have as positive of an outlook.

“Not necessarily,” the GM said. “Until you get a firm idea, I think we just have to wait and see. These things, you kind of have a sense of it when they happen, what the likelihood is of it being serious. It’s kind of hard to be real optimistic….

“Until we get the final reading and the doctors examine him, I can’t speculate.”