Strasburg's surgery successful Takes about 12-18 months of recovery By Sports Network

Pittsburgh - Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg underwent successful season-ending ulnar collateral ligament replacement surgery on Friday.

The procedure, more commonly known as Tommy John surgery, will require about 12-18 months of recovery. It was performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum with assistance by Nationals team doctor Dr. Wieme Douoguih.

“He had his surgery,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said on the team’s website. “I got a call from (the doctors), and they said it was successful surgery, he came through with flying colours. It went smooth and uneventful. He will spend the night in the hospital tonight (Friday) and go back home to San Diego on Saturday and begin his rehab.”

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.