Outfielder Jose Guillen of the Washington Nationals is going to have season ending surgery tomorrow. His right elbow is completely shot. There is a torn ligament in the elbow. You might know this surgery as Tommy John surgery. It’s been determined that Guillen simply can’t play anymore unless the surgery is done. When finished, he’s going to have to spend at least 8 months trying to rehabilitate. In fact, it could take up to 18 months or so.

It’s really bad timing for Guillen. His contract with the Nationals runs out this year. This entire season has been one to forget. While he will probably come back, his value is severely damaged. He has not been playing too well this season and he will be highly injury prone and coming back from major surgery when he returns. All that put together equals low pay. He will probably have to settle for a limited contract, perhaps a one year deal, and earn his way back.

All of this is moot right now. He is going in for surgery tomorrow and he needs that to go perfect first. Since he’s not a pitcher, he can probably come back a lot sooner. While outfielders can throw hard, they don’t do it 100 times a game. I would look for him to come back at the start of next season. Perhaps the Nationals will give him another shot.