Blue Jays closer Ryan out for season after surgery

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

TORONTO (AFP) — Toronto Blue Jays closing pitcher BJ Ryan will miss the rest of the Major League Baseball season after undergoing "Tommy John" surgery on Thursday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.

The Blue Jays expect Ryan to be ready for spring training in 2008.

The loss of Ryan is a major setback for the Blue Jays, who have lost eight in a row to slip to 13-20.

Ryan, 31, first experienced soreness in his elbow in March. He underwent a rest and rehabilitation program for two weeks and resumed throwing.

But after allowing four runs in the ninth inning of an April 14 game against Detroit, Ryan complained of pain in his elbow and stated it was worse than it had been previously.

After a further three weeks of rest failed...