Tazawa has ulnar collateral sprain in pitching elbow

Junichi Tazawa, the 23-year-old right-hander and current #7 prospect on SoxProspects.com, has been diagnosed with an ulnar collateral sprain in his right elbow. The news comes after Tazawa's visit with Dr. James Andrews yesterday after he experienced intermittent discomfort in the elbow starting during the second half of last season. Tazawa and team officials have not decided on the course of action to correct the injury as of yet but rehab and surgery are both on the table.

Tazawa was signed as an international free agent in December of 2008 and had a stellar freshman campaign in the Boston system in 2009. He posted a 9-5 record with a 2.57 ERA in 18 starts with Double-A Portland before making two starts with Triple-A Pawtucket. He made his major league debut on August 7 against the New York Yankees, and during his time with Boston posted a 7.46 ERA in six appearances. This spring has been a rough one for Tazawa, as he has struggled to the tune of a 10.29 ERA in 7.0 innings pitched, allowing five home runs.

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