Phillies' Romero to repair left elbow with surgery

The News Journal—Wilmington, DE—October 7, 2009

As the Phillies open the postseason today, reliever J.C. Romero will undergo elbow surgery that will sideline him for at least five months.

Romero, who said last week he was optimistic the inflammation in his elbow would subside with rest, has a torn flexor tendon, according to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. The tear was discovered when the 33-year-old lefty visited New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek for a second opinion.

Altchek will perform the surgery today at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. At this point, it's not believed there is any damage to Romero's ulnar collateral ligament, which is replaced during "Tommy John" surgery, although Amaro said it is possible doctors could find additional problems during the operation.