The Rays received bad news Tuesday when they learned starting pitcher Alex Cobb has a partially torn ligament in his right elbow, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Cobb was placed on the disabled list before the season with discomfort in his right forearm. Tests at the time found no structural damage. A more recent MRI exam revealed the tear.
The Times report said Cobb will attempt to rehab through rest and other treatment and is hopeful of pitching again this season. If that fails, then he'll need Tommy John surgery, which would keep him out for the remainder of this season and a good portion of the 2016 season.
Cobb, 27, posted ace-caliber numbers last season (2.87 ERA, 1.136 WHIP and 149:47 K:BB ratio over 166 1/3 innings), so the Rays will be cautious with him.
Tampa Bay boasts one of the strongest and deepest rotations in baseball, led by Chris Archer (3-3, 1.64 ERA) and Jake Odorizzi (3-2, 2.21 ERA). Drew Smyly and Nathan Karns hold the third and fourth spots.