ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers hard-throwing reliever Matt Bush has had surgery to repair a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament that will keep him out the first half of the 2019 season.
Assistant general manager Mike Daly says Bush did not have Tommy John surgery. Instead, he had a procedure to repair and reinforce the ligament in his right elbow. Bush hasn't pitched since June 13. He had a 4.70 ERA in 23 innings over 21 appearances.
"I don't have social media but I'd like my fans to know that my surgery was successful," Bush said. "I'm doing well and look forward to being back next season at full go!"
Bush had tried stem cell treatment and was throwing again at one point before the surgery.
The surgery was done by Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister, who also repaired torn cartilage in the right knee of reliever Austin Bibens-Dirkx in another surgery performed Wednesday. Bibens-Dirkx is expected to be ready for spring training.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.