Giants' Blade Tidwell facing likely Tommy John surgery after UCL diagnosis

A high-grade UCL sprain has San Francisco's fourth young starter this year on a path toward elbow surgery.

San Francisco Giants right-hander Blade Tidwell received a high-grade sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament following an MRI performed Tuesday, according to a report, and Tommy John surgery is a strong possibility as a result.

Tidwell exited Monday night's contest against Minnesota during the fourth inning after feeling something in his elbow on a pitch. He was set to discuss treatment choices with team orthopedist Dr. Kenneth Akizuki. Three other young Giants starters — Hayden Birdsong, Trevor McDonald and Carson Whisenhunt — have already had Tommy John procedures since March.

Tidwell acknowledged the situation was concerning but noted that many pitchers go through it. Manager Tony Vitello called the rash of injuries somewhat surprising and said it merited review, while president of baseball operations Buster Posey previously expressed confidence in the medical staff led by Dave Groeschner.

The Giants now have 24 players on the injured list and have used a franchise-record 70 players this season, one short of the big-league mark set by Atlanta a year ago. Right-hander Braxton Roxby was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to fill the roster spot.

In addition, No. 2 starter Landen Roupp has been shut down for the season after a career-high 155 innings. Roupp said he could have pitched but that stopping was the smarter choice.