Athletics RHP Cotton needs Tommy John surgery

Cotton confirmed to reporters on Saturday that he suffered a season-ending
injury, and that a doctor on Friday diagnosed the issue as a torn ulnar
collateral ligament in his pitching elbow.

"It's kind of hard to take," Cotton said. "I'm trying to take it as best as I
can. I'm just getting ready for the long process, the long road ahead."

Cotton, 26, was expected to be part of the Oakland starting rotation for the
second straight season. He went 9-10 with a 5.58 ERA in 24 starts last season.

Cotton will undergo surgery next week.

"It's unfortunate," Athletics manager Bob Melvin told reporters. "Just for him
having to go through what a lot of guys have to go through. We felt like he
was on the cusp of coming into his own. It's just gonna be delayed a year."

--Field Level Media