Phillies' Smith to undergo 'Tommy John' surgery

By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Matt Smith will undergo season-ending "Tommy John" surgery on his left elbow Tuesday.

The procedure will be performed by New York Mets team physician Dr. David Altchek.

The 28-year old Smith opened the season with the Phillies and posted a disappointing 11.25 earned run average in nine appearances before being optioned to triple-A Ottawa on April 26. With Ottawa, he was 2-1 with one save and a 2.60 ERA.

Last season, Smith went 0-1 with a 0.87 ERA in 26 combined appearances with the Phillies and New York Yankees.

The left-hander was originally acquired by the Phillies as part of the trade that sent outfielder Bobby Abreu and pitcher Cory Lidle to the Yankees last July.