Indians minor league pitcher Tomlin to have shoulder surgery

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Indians minor league pitcher Josh Tomlin will have surgery on his right shoulder next week to treat joint inflammation.

Team officials said Friday that the 30-year-old sent to the minors this week will miss three to four months.

Tomlin felt discomfort in his throwing shoulder after a minor league start on Monday. He spent spring training competing for a spot in the Indians rotation but was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Tomlin pitched in 25 games for the Indians last season, posting a 6-9 record and 4.76 ERA. Tomlin missed most of 2013 after having Tommy John surgery in August 2012.