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Seattle Mariners

Mariners announce Drew Smyly to undergo Tommy John surgery

In this March 6, 2017, file photo, Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Drew Smyly throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a spring training baseball game, in Peoria, Ariz. Smyly will undergo Tommy John surgery after being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Seattle announced the diagnosis on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, ending Smylys hopes of returning during the 2017 season. (Matt York / Associated Press)
From staff and wire reports

The Seattle Mariners announced on Wednesday that LHP Drew Smyly will undergo ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (“Tommy John”) surgery on his left arm. The surgery is tentatively scheduled for July 6, and will be performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mariners executive vice president & general manager Jerry Dipoto announced the following medical update via press release prior to the M’s day game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Following the surgery, Smyly will miss the remainder of the 2017 season. Typical recovery time from a UCL reconstruction surgery is 12 to 15 months.

Smyly will do his rehabilitation work closer to his off-season home in Dallas, Texas.

Smyly, 27, was supposed to be a featured member of the M’s rotation this season. Now he’ll miss most of two seasons with the club due to injury and rehab.

The lefty was placed on the 10-day disabled list on April 2 (retro to March 30) with a left arm flexor strain after he appeared in three Cactus League games with Seattle this spring, going 1-0 with a 5.00 ERA (five earned runs in nine innings) with six strikeouts.

He also made one appearance with Team USA, striking out eight in 4 2/3 innings while allowing just one unearned run on March 15 against Team Venezuela. He was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 4.

Smyly established career-highs last season with 30 starts, 175 1/3 innings and 167 strikeouts. He finished the season 7-12 with a 4.88 ERA with 167 strikeouts in 30 starts with Tampa Bay.