Phillies Reliever Tommy Hunter Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery

The Phillies' bullpen continues to get crushed by the injury bug this season, as another one of their high-priced relievers is back on the shelf.

Right-hander Tommy Hunter is done for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his arm.

Tommy Hunter Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery https://t.co/27GOPEAowi pic.twitter.com/elu9iTGNlS
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) July 23, 2019

Hunter joins Pat Neshek, David Robertson and Seranthony Dominguez on the IL as bullpen pieces the team was counting on going into the season. The long list of names leaves the Phillies' bullpen paper thin heading into the final third of the season.

Luckily for Hunter, he was able to avoid Tommy John surgery thanks to his UCL being cleared of any damage. It's a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season for the reliever.

The Phillies signed Hunter two offseasons ago to a two-year, $18 million deal and have yet to see the return on investment from that contract. Hunter struggled last year posting a 3.80 ERA in 65 games. And this year, Hunter couldn't stay on the field, only appearing in five games because of injury.

Tommy Hunter said he felt a grab in his right elbow on his second-to-last pitch last night, seemingly in the same spot that put him on the IL in March. Obviously, not good news.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) July 14, 2019

He started the season on the IL thanks to a right forearm strain he suffered in February this year. After returning to the team in late June, it only took five appearances before Hunter was shelved for good.

This injury likely ends Hunter's tenure in Philadelphia, one the fan base will surely forget.