(WXYZ) — Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer will have Tommy John surgery, according to a report from MLB.com's Jason Beck.
According to Beck, Fulmer's third opinion on the injury confirmed what Dr. James Andrews had said, recommending the right-hander to have the surgery.
On Tuesday, the team announced that Andrews recommended the surgery, but said Fulmer was seeking a third opinion.
This all started last week after Fulmer told the team he had pain in his elbow after a bullpen session.
According to Beck, Fulmer called the news a "punch to the gut."
Tommy John reports the ulnar collateral ligament, and the recovery time takes at least a year, meaning Fulmer will likely miss the entire 2019 season and part of the 2020 season.
Fulmer pitched in 24 games last season but had a 3-12 record and a 4.69 ERA. His first year with the team in 2016 he was 11-7 in 26 games with a 3.06 ERA and 132 strikeouts.
