Strasburg to have Tommy John surgery Friday By Sports Network

Washington - Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg is scheduled to undergo ulnar collateral ligament replacement surgery on Friday.

The procedure, more commonly known as Tommy John surgery, will take about 12-18 months from which to recover. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum with assistance by Nationals team doctor Dr. Wiemi Douoguih.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Strasburg will return to San Diego following the surgery and begin a physical therapy program at a nearby clinic.

It is a disappointing turn of events for the Nationals and Strasburg, the top overall pick of the 2009 draft. He made his heralded debut in June and was very impressive in 12 starts, going 5-3 with a 2.91 earned run average, with 92 strikeouts in 68 innings. He also dealt with an injury in July, when he went on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.