Cardinals' Rosenthal to undergo Tommy John surgery

Trevor Rosenthal's 2017 season ended Wednesday afternoon. A few hours later, it was revealed that his 2018 season is in serious jeopardy as well.

It was announced Wednesday that the St. Louis Cardinals closer will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The surgery and impending rehab process means his status for the 2018 season is now up in the air as well.

Per MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch, the surgery will be performed next week.

Rosenthal landed on the 10-day disabled list last week with right elbow irritation, and on Wednesday he was transferred to the 60-day DL, a move that effectively ends his season. That move was made mere hours before news of the impending surgery was announced.

Langosch also reported Wednesday that the 27-year-old had consulted with noted surgeon Neal ElAttrache recently in search of a second opinion.

Rosenthal has one season of arbitration eligibility remaining before reaching free agency. Given that he's now slated to miss most, if not all, of the 2018 season, it's entirely possible that Rosenthal - who's spent his entire six-year career to date in St. Louis - has now thrown his final pitch in a Cardinals uniform.

In 50 games for the Cardinals this season, Rosenthal posted a 3.50 ERA, 1.196 WHIP, 76 strikeouts, and 11 saves.