ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Colin Rea originally decided to undergo Tommy John surgery, but the Padres right-hander has changed course after meeting with renowned sports orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. After visiting Andrews on Wednesday, Rea will forgo an elbow reconstruction and receive a platelet-rich plasma injection Thursday in San Diego. The 26-year-old subsequently would rest for three to four weeks before attempting to begin a throwing program.
Rea was traded to Miami on July 29 and made his Marlins debut the next day, throwing 3 1/3 innings before he exited with elbow discomfort. In a surprising turn of events, the Marlins, who contended they had been dealt damaged goods, traded Rea back to the Padres on Aug.