Report: Rays' Glasnow expected to undergo Tommy John surgery

Tampa Bay Rays starter Tyler Glasnow is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery next week, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The right-hander landed on the injured list June 15 due to a partial UCL tear and flexor strain. Glasnow initially hoped to avoid the dreaded elbow surgery, which would keep him out for approximately one year.

Glasnow was stellar in his 14 starts before leaving his last one against the Chicago White Sox in discomfort. The 27-year-old said he felt a "little tug" in his elbow but hadn't experienced "crazy pain."

If surgery is confirmed, he will finish his 2021 campaign with 123 strikeouts and a 2.66 ERA over 88 innings. Glasnow owns a 5-2 record with a WAR of 2.4.

Despite losing their prized starter, the pitching-stocked Rays are neck-and-neck with the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East.