Bradford Out 3-4 Months

[love_that_reefer]

The Rays revealed that Chad Bradford underwent elbow surgery on Thursday and will miss 3-4 months.
Bradford apparently began dealing with soreness after beginning his throwing program and needed some loose bodies removed. Since he'll open the year on the DL, there would again seem to be room for either Jeff Niemann or Jason Hammel in the Tampa Bay pen. The team could go with both if Troy Percival joins Bradford on the DL.

Big blow for the Rays here. The Rays have done a good job building a pen this winter which is something they really had to do but it did get weaker for the first half of the season. There are still some relievers out there but it looks like the Rays might just stick it out.

[ljshorty89]

I liked Bradford in his year with the Mets, and he's an important piece for the Rays. Hopefully he can come back soon for them, and maybe only miss April and May.

[realmofotalk]

How Chad Bradford hasn't remained with a single team is beyond me. He dominated in the thin air of the Canadian Rockies, and he has been nothing short of reliable every year in the big leagues. He gets injured occasionally but big deal.

[love_that_reefer]

He was huge for the Rays last season when he came over. One of the best deals made last year.