Rafael Montero has torn UCL, will likely need Tommy John surgery

NEW YORK --Metsright-hander Rafael Montero probably will miss the season after tearing a ligament in his pitching elbow.

New York said Thursday that the 27-year-old has a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament and will likely need Tommy John surgery.

Montero was 5-11 with a 5.52 ERA in 18 starts and 16 relief appearances last year. He gave up 13 runs -- nine earned -- and 12 hits in nine innings during spring training.

He has a salary of $558,025 in the majors and will be eligible for salary arbitration next winter.