Marlins ace Fernandez to have Tommy John surgery

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez will have Tommy John surgery Friday, ending the season for the reigning NL Rookie of the Year.

Manager Mike Redmond announced Thursday the right-hander would have the elbow ligament transplant procedure. The decision was expected after the 21-year-old Fernandez was put on the disabled list this week.

“Our focus is to get him back,” Redmond said before the Marlins began a four-game series in San Francisco. “I’m glad he’s having it done and starting his recovery process. Obviously it’s a big blow for us.”

The operation will be done in Los Angeles. Fernandez becomes the latest in a string of major league pitchers this year who have needed Tommy John surgery.

Fernandez was 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA in eight starts this season.

Anthony DeSclafani, who started in place of Fernandez and made his major league debut during Sunday’s 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, will remain in the Marlins’ rotation.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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