Jason Motte MRI results: Tommy John Surgery possible

Cardinals closer Jason Motte had an MRI this afternoon, which revealed a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Doctors have prescribed rest till May 1st, and if not healthy by then, he will have Tommy John surgery, which could end his season.

Here are some tweets from Derrick Goold from the St. Louis Post Dispatch, with some details from the team:

#cardinals closer Jason Motte has been prescribed rest. Deadline of May 1. If he cannot advance he'll have surgery. #stlcards

— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) April 9, 2013

As described often in the PD flexor inflammation clears and ligament damage is clearer. That's why Tommy John now in conversation for Motte.

— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) April 10, 2013

It sounds like the team doctors waited till the inflammation in Motte's elbow subsided before scheduling the MRI. Certainly not good news for Cardinals fans or Motte owners, especially after the bullpen implosion that took place yesterday vs the Reds.

As of right now, Mitchell Boggs is still the Cardinals closer, but Trevor Rosenthal is probably in the conversation if Boggs can't bounce back from his Monday meltdown. Grab Rosenthal if you own Boggs.

For more from the Cardinals fan perspective, check out Viva El Birdos, SB Nation's Cardinals site.