Indians injury news: Frank Herrmann undergoes Tommy John surgery

Cleveland Indians right-handed reliever Frank Herrmann underwent reconstructive Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow this morning in New York City and will miss the entire 2013 season, the team has announced.

The Indians shut down Herrmann earlier in camp after he had appeared in two exhibition contests. Over those two appearances, the 28-year-old allowed four runs on five hits with no walks or strikeouts over two innings.

Herrmann appeared in 15 games for the Indians last season, posting an ERA of 2.33 with a 3.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio (SO/BB) over 19 1/3 innings. The right-hander spent a majority of the year with Cleveland's Triple-A affiliate, maintaining a 4.78 ERA over 42 appearances.

Entering 2012, Herrmann had been a regular in the Tribe's 'pen for the past two seasons. He totaled an ERA of 4.63 with 2.32 SO/BB over 80 appearances from 2010-11. In parts of three seasons in the majors he owns a career ERA of 4.26 with 2.48 SO/BB.

Tommy John surgery carries with it an estimated recovery time of 12 months, so Herrmann could be back and competing for a spot in Cleveland's bullpen as soon as next spring.