Tigers' Rondon has torn elbow ligament, will miss season

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon throws during an exhibition spring training game in March, 2013.

KISSIMMEE, Fla.  — Detroit Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon needs surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow and will be sidelined for the entire season.

A candidate to become Detroit’s eighth-inning setup man, Rondon felt discomfort Monday after pitching a scoreless inning against Washington the previous day.

Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said today that Rondon was examined Wednesday by Dr. James Andrews, and an MRI revealed the tear. Dombrowski said the 23-year-old will have surgery next week.

Rondon becomes the latest pitcher hurt during spring training and headed to Tommy John surgery, following Atlanta’s Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy, and Oakland’s Jarrod Parker. Arizona’s Patrick Corbin also may need the procedure.

Rondon was 1-2 with a 3.45 ERA as a rookie last year, striking out 30 in 28 2-3 innings, and he had a 1.29 ERA in seven spring training games this year.

Dombrowski said the Tigers, who signed Joba Chamberlain during the offseason, will fill Rondon’s spot internally.