Madson to undergo Tommy John surgery

Mar 24, 2012 - 6:35 PM Goodyear, AZ (Sports Network) - Cincinnati Reds pitcher Ryan Madson will need Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2012 season.

Madson, signed in January to become the Reds' closer, left spring training in Arizona on Friday and headed back to Cincinnati to have his elbow examined.

The Reds, on their Twitter feed, said the tests revealed a torn ligament that will require reconstructive surgery.

Madson hadn't appeared in a game this spring because of minor elbow irritation, although he had thrown simulated games and side sessions.

The 31-year-old right-hander had spent his entire nine-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies before inking a one-year contract with a mutual option in Cincinnati. He and the Phillies were said to be close to deal early in the free agency period, but Philadelphia instead signed Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year contract.

Madson notched 32 saves in 34 opportunities in 2011, also posting a 4-2 record with a 2.37 earned run average in 62 games. He has a career mark of 47-30 with a 3.59 ERA and 52 saves in 491 games, all but 18 of which have come out of the bullpen.