Carp Reliever Tsuji Undergoes Tommy John Surgery After 36 Appearances This Season

Hiroshima Carp reliever Tsuji underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow along with removal of a bone spur on September 11, the club announced. The fourth-year pitcher appeared in 36 games this season, finishing with a 2-2 record, six holds and a 4.68 ERA.

The Hiroshima Carp announced Thursday that reliever Tsuji underwent surgery on his left elbow after an injury-shortened season.

Tsuji underwent Tommy John surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow at a hospital in Gunma Prefecture on September 11.

He also underwent a procedure to remove a bone spur from the olecranon, the bony prominence at the back of the elbow.

The surgery comes during Tsuji's fourth professional season. The left-hander made 36 appearances for Hiroshima this year, posting a 2-2 record with six holds and a 4.68 ERA.

Tsuji had established himself as a regular option in the Carp bullpen this season, making his elbow injury a significant setback for the 24-year-old.

Tommy John surgery generally requires a lengthy rehabilitation period, meaning Tsuji faces a long road back before he can return to game action.

The Carp will now have to wait for Tsuji to complete his rehabilitation as he works toward returning to the mound.