Rays' McGee to start season on DL following elbow surgery

The Tampa Bay Rays will be without their most imposing reliever when the 2015 season begins.

Left-hander Jake McGee is expected to open the campaign on the disabled list after undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery Friday, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

McGee experienced discomfort while working out this offseason, and opted for surgery after an MRI revealed "pretty much a big bone spur" in his elbow. Though McGee characterized his condition as a minor setback, he expects to return in late April or early May.

McGee, who took over as closer in June, enjoyed the finest season of his career in 2014, crafting a career-best 1.89 ERA while notching 19 saves over 73 appearances for the Rays. The 28-year-old allowed just two home runs over 71 1/3 innings and fashioned a 32.9 percent strikeout rate, the 11th-best mark among qualified relievers.