Miami Marlins' Jose Fernandez could miss rest of season

On Monday night, Miami Marlins starter Jose Fernandez was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow injury and underwent an MRI in Los Angeles. While the Marlins and Manager Mike Redmond were initially confident about Fernandez's injury, several reports indicate he may need season-ending Tommy John surgery.

The Sun-Sentinel cites a source with direct knowledge of the situation explaining the initial diagnosis may have been optimistic and the injury may end the reigning National League Rookie of The Year's season early.

The initial diagnosis on ace Jose Fernandez is a right elbow sprain, but the Marlins anticipate Fernandez will require season-ending surgery, a source in contact with a team executive said. Before Monday's game at Dodger Stadium, manager Mike Redmond said the team was awaiting MRI results to determine the full extent of the injury.

If Fernandez does indeed need Tommy John surgery, he may not be able to pitch again until June of 2015, at the earliest. The results of the MRI are expected in a few days, and the Tommy John speculation began with ESPN's Jim Bowden tweeting that Fernandez has a tear in his throwing elbow.

Jose Fernandez has a tear in his right throwing elbow for those that are trying to debate the injury

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) May 12, 2014

Fernandez was bothered by an upset stomach during his last start in San Diego, and saw the velocity in his fastball drop significantly. Fernandez was scheduled to make a start against the Dodgers on Wednesday, and didn't throw a bullpen session on Sunday because of elbow disconmfort.

Miami closely monitored the number of innings Fernandez pitched in 2013, and was expected to do the same this season. Fernandez has established himself as one of baseball's most consistent and dominant arms, and is expected to be a key part of Miami's starting rotation moving forward.