April 21, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech junior right-hander AJ Ramos was diagnosed with a partially torn UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) in his right elbow today and will miss the remainder of the 2008 season.

Ramos has been the steady hand for the Red Raider pitching staff over the last two seasons but had struggled to a 1-4 record this year and a 7.60 ERA. In his last start on Friday night against Kansas, he walked four consecutive batters in the first inning and was pulled with no outs in the top of the second. The injury is believed to have occurred around the first part of March.

"AJ is a very tough kid and top notch competitor," said Texas Tech Associate Head Coach Dan Spencer. "He has been pitching hurt all season long and didn't want any of us know because he desperately wanted to help our club. He will get through this surgery and I have no doubt that he will be back at full force when we start up again next year."

A date for surgery has not been scheduled and according to Texas Tech Head Baseball Trainer Shawn Lindsey the rehabilitation is extensive. If the rehabilitation process goes according to plan, he should be ready in time for the start of the 2009 season.

Texas Tech has not set its rotation for the weekend series against Oklahoma. The rotation should be named by the middle of the week.