Phillies' Buchholz has forearm surgery, Kendrick put on DL

Phillies starting pitcher Clay Buchholz will miss 4-6 months after electing to undergo surgery for a torn flexor tendon in his throwing arm, per the News Journal's Meghan Montemurro. Barstool Sports' Jared Carrabis first reported the news last night. Buchholz now faces a tedious recovery time of four-to-six months, approximately, which likely complicates the idea of him pitching again this season.

Buchholz, 32, left his last start against the Mets in the third inning and was diagnosed with a partial tear of the mass last Wednesday.

Even though the front end of the recovery time would have Buchholz return in August looking at his injury history, it's more likely he's done for the year. After acquiring the right-hander in a December trade with the Red Sox, the Phils were counting on Buchholz for some veteran stability for their rotation and perhaps even a late-career breakout with a change of scenery and a move to the National League. Eflin pitched ten scoreless innings in the minors this year after recovering from knee injuries suffered last season.

If he is indeed done for the year it means 138 pitches is all Buchholz will ever throw for the Phillies. Looking beyond this season, Buchholz is in scheduled to hit free agency this winter, and another significant injury on his record will impact his chances of landing a multi-year contract.

With Buchholz on the shelf, the Phillies recalled Zach Eflin from Triple-A to take his spot in the rotation.