Rays' Matt Moore decides on Tommy John surgery

Moore is the thirteenth pitcher since the start of Spring Training to need Tommy John surgery.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore has decided to undergo Tommy John surgery and will miss the rest of the season, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The left-hander was recently diagnosed with a partially torn UCL, and was deciding between surgery or the rest-and-rehab routes. Now he will miss the rest of this season. 

Moore, 24, won 17 games and posted a 3.29 ERA in 27 starts for the Rays in 2013. The youngster has a 3.53 ERA and a 109 ERA+ in 347 career innings pitched. So far this season, Moore is 0-2 with a 2.70 ERA and a 145 ERA+ in 10 innings pitched. He left his April 7 start with elbow discomfort, and will receive the procedure from Dr. James Andrews on April 22.

The former number one overall prospect in 2012 (MLB.com) has impressed so far in the Major Leagues, but now becomes the 13th pitcher since the start of the 2014 Spring Training to have needed Tommy John surgery. That is a huge issue for young pitchers and the MLB overall. 

"I'll figure out a way, find a way to compete on the mound," Moore told Topkin. "I'm not fearful of that. A lot of guys that came before me with the surgery have kind of paved the way with the rehab process in terms of what to do and what not to do."

From a team perspective, the Rays are really hurting from starting pitching depth, or lack thereof. Jeremy Hellickson had elbow surgery this offseason and will not be ready until June. Alex Cobb was placed on the DL with an oblique strain as well. And now, Moore will be missing the rest of 2014.