The New York Yankees' 2011 season has been filled with nothing but drama both on and off the field. So why would today be any different??

ESPNNewYork.com writer Andrew Marchand reports that Yankee reliever Joba Chamberlain has a torn ligament in his right elbow and is likely going to miss the remainder of the season. An injury of this magnitude usually means Tommy John surgery, which requires a timetable of 12-18 months for recovery.

Joba was originally put on the disabled list yesterday with what the team called "a strained flexor muscle." But after a dye-contrast MRI earlier today, it was revealed that Chamberlain has an actual tear in the elbow.

Joba Chamberlain 2
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Going into the season, the Yankees were supposed to have one of the best bullpens in baseball. With offseason acquisitions Rafael Soriano & Pedro Feliciano joining the likes of Joba, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera, the bullpen was considered one of the few "sure things" the Yankees had entering the 2011 season.

However, an alarming number of injuries have now turned a strength into a weakness for this Yankees team. After closer Mariano Rivera and new 8th inning man David Robertson, the bullpen is basically filled with lefty specialist Boone Logan and a bunch of minor leaguers.

Here's the breakdown of all the Yankee relievers who are currently on the disabled list:

  • Damaso Marte (shoulder): 60-day DL, may be out for the season
  • Pedro Feliciano (shoulder): 60-day DL, may be out for the season
  • Rafael Soriano (elbow): 15-day DL, likely out until mid-July
  • Joba Chamberlain (elbow): 15-day DL, may be out for the season

The 2011 season for the New York Yankees is officially cursed.

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