Tommy John surgery for Figueroa, continuing back issues for Kouzmanoff

Texas Rangers reliever Pedro Figueroa will undergo Tommy John surgery because of a torn UCL and flexor tendon in his left elbow, according to T.R. Sullivan.

Figueroa, claimed on waivers this offseason by the Rangers from the Oakland A's, had been a pleasant early season surprise, early a spot in the Opening Day bullpen and looking like a decent middle relief option against lefthanders.  This is his second Tommy John surgery, and he will miss all of 2014 and, presumably, most of 2015.

The more immediate concern in Sullivan's update is that Kevin Kouzmanoff's back hasn't improved as much as it was hoped it would improve since tightening up on Tuesday, and Kouzmanoff is returning to Texas to be examined by Dr. Keith Meister.  With Adrian Beltre being activated tomorrow from the disabled list, a move is going to have to be made to open a spot for him, and it could be that Kouzmanoff will go to the d.l. to make room for him.

Sullivan also has notes on Shin-Soo Choo and Neftali Feliz and their injury situations, with the short answer on both guys being, it doesn't sound serious.