Santana has Tommy John surgery, will miss 2019 season

Edgar Santana, who was one of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ most effective relief pitchers this year, had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Thursday and will miss the entire 2019 season. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Gulf Breeze, Fla.

Santana, who appeared in 69 games, did not pitch past Sept. 21 when he faced four Milwaukee Brewers batters and allowed three hits and a walk in an 8-3 loss.

He finished his first full season in the major leagues with a 3-4 record, 3.26 ERA and a 1.101 WHIP in 66 1/3 innings. He walked only 12 and struck out 54.

Pirates starting pitcher Chad Kuhl had Tommy John surgery last month and also will miss the entire season.

Jerry DiPaola is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jerry at jdipaola@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JDiPaola_Trib.