Surgery Likely for Hollands

The Phillies were dealt some disappointing news today, with left-handed relief pitcher Mario Hollands likely facing season ending elbow surgery.

As reported by MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Hollands has a torn common flexor tendon, the same injury that Cliff Lee is battling through.

LHP Mario Hollands is leaning toward left elbow surgery, but will get a second opinion soon from Dr. James Andrews.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 26, 2015

Hollands faces two options: rest or surgery. Surgery typically requires 6-8 months of rest, but the long-term benefit of surgery far outweighs going the rest route. Healing through rest would still likely mean surgery eventually if he ever hopes to regain form.

Hollands, the 26 year old from Oakland, CA, saw his first major league action last year appearing in 50 games and pitching to a 2-2 record with a 4.40 ERA. Prior to the injury he was a near lock to crack the Phillies Opening Day roster as a lefty specialist out of the bullpen.