DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers right-hander Artie Lewicki could have come off the disabled list on Friday, pitched against the Chicago White Sox and hoped for the best.
Instead, he'll be preparing for Tommy John surgery on his right elbow that will keep him out of action until 2020.
Lewicki's ligament is still clinging to its joint, but it probably won't last long.
"It's not completely blown, but my flexor is strained and there's a lot of laxity in my joints. Over time, it's only going to get worse," Lewicki said. "(The doctor) couldn't promise whether I could pitch one year or two years or if it could blow out tomorrow.