Alex Cobb

Alex Cobb has been one of the Tampa Bay Rays' best starting pitchers when healthy, so if the team wanted to explore a trade market for him, it would certainly be robust. 

As if anyone needed further confirmation that no pitcher is safe from Tommy John surgery in today's MLB, another ace has bitten the dust.

This time, it's Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Alex Cobb. And while that's a shame in and of itself, what makes it an even bigger shame is that his career as an ace was just beginning to take off.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Alex Cobb has a partially torn ligament in his right elbow and may need season-ending surgery. 

Continue for updates.

Cobb May Need Surgery

Tuesday, May 5

Yahoo! Sports passed along the details of the injury:  

The Tampa Bay Rays pitching rotation is not a picture of perfect health, and it took another hit in the form of Alex Cobb.

Continue for updates.

In the aftermath of significant, life-threatening head injuries suffered by pitchers, MLB has informed its 30 clubs that padded caps have been approved to provide some head protection against line drives flying back at the mound.

The Tampa Bay Rays will travel to take on the Cleveland Indians in the 2013 American League Wildcard Game on October 2.

While both teams are evenly matched in many ways, Tampa Bay's pitching—both their overall rotation and bullpen—will prove to be the difference in the one-game showdown.

A little over a month ago, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ took a wicked line drive to the head off the bat of Tampa Bay Rays hitter Desmond Jennings. Fortunately, Happ suffered just a contusion and laceration to his left ear and was released after an overnight stay in the hospital.

The Tampa Bay Rays may unveil another one of their stud pitching prospects on Sunday.

Thursday's doubleheader against the Twins has shortened the Rays rotation, and long reliever/spot starter Andy Sonnanstine has been battling illness, leaving the team with no choice but to consider some options in the minor leagues.