The right-hander seems likely to go under the knife for a second time.
San Diego Padres' starter Josh Johnson may require Tommy John surgery due to consistent discomfort in his throwing elbow, according to an industry source familiar with the situation. Johnson is currently waiting on the results of some tests and will likely see Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion this week, but Tommy John surgery currently seems like the most likely scenario for the right-hander, according to sources. Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports noted earlier tonight that the Padres were becoming increasingly worried about the possibility of Johnson needing Tommy John.
Johnson, who signed a one-year, $8M deal with San Diego this offseason, has been sidelined since the end of March with a strained right forearm and has not appeared in a game yet this season. He had Tommy John surgery back in 2007, and has struggled to stay healthy throughout his entire nine-year major league career.
Johnson's contract includes a $4M option for 2015 that will automatically trigger if the 30-year old makes less than seven starts this season. That clause was put in the deal as an insurance policy due to Johnson's injury history.
San Diego has been ravaged by pitching injuries so far this season, with Cory Luebke going under the knife while Johnson, Burch Smith and Joe Wieland have all dealt with arm troubles as well.