Christian Vazquez will undergo Tommy John surgery

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The Red Sox' worst fears were realized Wednesday when it was announced that Christian Vazquez will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow.

Vazquez, who first felt a problem with the elbow nearly three weeks ago, had undergone an MRI on the elbow, which the Red Sox cryptically announced "found something.''

Almost two weeks of rest and rehab had failed to improve the elbow before he underwent the MRI. He visited with noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews Wednesday near Pensacola, Fla. and Andrews confirmed that Vazquez was suffering from a torn ulnar collateral ligament, necessitating the procedure.

Andrews himself will perform the surgery Thursday.

Recovery time for the surgery is typically 12-15 months, though that's often for pitchers. For position players, the recovery time is often less.

However, Baltimore's Matt Wieters, also a catcher, underwent the surgery last year and is still bothered by the elbow this spring. He's scheduled to begin the season on the disabled list.

Vazquez, of course, has one of the strongest throwing arms of any catcher in the game. As he waited for a diagnosis to be made on his elbow, he was particularly troubled that his primary skill set would be impacted.

"That's my food,'' he said of his throwing ability.

In Vazquez's absence, the Red Sox will have Ryan Hanigan as their No. 1 catcher. It's likely that Sandy Leon will serve as the team's backup to start the year. Leon was obtained for cash considerations from the Washington Nationals Monday morning.

The Sox also have highly-touted catching prospect Blake Swihart in their system, but they prefer him to get additional playing time at Pawtucket.

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