Report: Padres' Rea to avoid Tommy John surgery

San Diego Padres hurler Colin Rea will avoid having to undergo Tommy John surgery on his ailing elbow, opting for a platelet-rich plasma injection instead, according to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The right-hander will then begin a throwing program after three-to-four weeks of rest, Lin reports.

Rea was traded to the Miami Marlins in July, but was almost immediately sent back to his original club after injuring his elbow in his first start with Miami.

The re-acquired pitcher was then diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, making Tommy John surgery appear inevitable. MLB also reportedly opened an investigation into the Padres for not divulging key medical details about the pitcher in their trade with Miami.

In 19 starts this season, Rea is posting a 4.82 ERA and 1.42 WHIP.