Storen has surgery to remove bone fragment in elbow

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

April 11, 2012, 3:34pm

Comments

FLUSHING, N.Y. - Nationals closer Drew Storen had surgery to remove a small bone fragment from his elbow today, according to an industry source. The procedure was not considered major, and Storen is expected to return sometime during the middle of the season, likely before the All-Star break. Storen battled elbow issues in spring training, and was shut down when he started feeling tightness in the joint of his throwing elbow. He started picking up his rehab program last week, and while he felt fine throwing off a mound, Storen felt more discomfort after pitching in his first simulated game at extended spring training on Sunday. The Nationals right-hander went to see renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews yesterday, and was back in D.C. today to have the surgery. Storen closed 43 games for the Nats last season. With the righty on the DL, Brad Lidge and Henry Rodriguez have split the Nationals' closer duties. The news of Storen's surgery was first reported by MLB.com