Eric O'Flaherty injury: Braves relief pitcher diagnosed with torn UCL

The Atlanta reliever will likely undergo reconstructive surgery.

By Connor Moylan May 18, 2013, 7:43pm EDT

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Eric O`Flaherty has been placed on the disabled list and diagnosed with a torn UCL, the team announced on Saturday. The team recalled Cory Rasmus from Triple-A to replace O'Flaherty in the bullpen.

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O`Flaherty plans to meet with Dr. James Andrews later in the week to discuss the next step in the process. Reconstructive surgery seems highly likely, given the nature of the injury, which would cause the southpaw to miss the rest of the season.

The lefty has pitched effectively for the Braves this season, as O`Flaherty posted a 2.50 ERA in his first 19 appearances. The 28-year-old has been a mainstay in the Braves bullpen for the past four seasons, as he owns a 1.99 ERA during his time in Atlanta.

O`Flaherty would become the second relief pitcher to undergo season-ending sugery, as Jonny Venters went under the knife on Thursday. Jordan Walden, Luis Ayala and Christhian Martinez are also currently on the disabled list, leaving the Braves bullpen depleted.

Rasmus, brother of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Colby Rasmus, has looked stellar in the closer role for Triple-A Gwinnett. The right-hander has 7 saves and 0.93 ERA, and has struck out 21 batters in 19 1/3 innings pitched.