Joba Chamberlain’s season is likely over and the future for the Yankees reliever is hazy thanks to an elbow ligament tear nobody saw unraveling.
A MRI exam with dye contrast performed Thursday on Chamberlain’s right arm revealed the damage the club believes will require surgery to repair.
“It would be our position that he would need Tommy John surgery,’’ GM Brian Cashman said of the procedure that usually takes 12 to 16 months of recovery.
Chamberlain’s agents requested the MRI exam be sent to Dr. James Andrews and Chamberlain could be examined by Andrews as soon as Friday.
Chamberlain said he wants to pitch through the problem but realizes what is at stake.
“You’re going to have to cut my arm off to stop me from pitching. On the other hand, you have to realize this is your career and at 25 (years old) I’m still fairly young,’’ he said. “I have that on my hands, and it’s one of those things where I’m not going to try to push it. It’s one of those things where if it’s going to hurt my team I’m not going to do it.’’
Tuesday, Chamberlain underwent a precautionary MRI exam that revealed a strained flexor tendon. He was placed on the disabled list retroactive to June 6.
Losing Chamberlain is a big blow to the Yankees’ bullpen that is already without Pedro Feliciano and Rafael Soriano. In 27 games, Chamberlain was 2-0 with a 2.83 ERA, whiffed 24 in 28 2/3 innings, and was better at setting up Mariano Rivera than Soriano was.
David Robertson will take over the eighth inning after dominating in the seventh.
So where do the Yankees find help? Cashman said, “Always look from within first. That’s what we’ll do.’’
The Mets will shop Francisco Rodriguez and he is AL tested (with the Angels), but comes with a hefty price tag for next year. Heath Bell (Padres), Matt Capps (Twins) and Joakim Soria (Royals) are other possible trade options.
Cashman said Phil Hughes, Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances aren’t options.
“Power arms and lock down guys, you just can’t go out and get,’’ Girardi said. “Guys are going to have to come up from our system.’’
Robertson, 26, has pitched well enough to merit All-Star consideration but has never been asked to get the three outs in front of Rivera.
Luis Ayala has tasted success in non-pressure situations and will work the seventh.
Chamberlain was not feeling discomfort until the elbow got stiff during Tuesday’s long toss session.
“It was something I didn’t expect, obviously, with no pain,’’ Chamberlain said. “You can ask me to do anything. A lot of guys who’ve had it feel a pop or it’s hard to open doors or do certain things and nothing bothers me. That’s why it’s really surprising.’’