Rockies’ Betancourt suffers torn elbow ligament

Betancourt suffered the tear Thursday in Philadelphia. He had an MRI done on his right elbow, which revealed a partial tear, and will not pitch again this season. (AP/Mark J. Terrill)

DENVER — Colorado Rockies right-hander Rafael Betancourt has suffered a torn elbow ligament, the closer said Monday night.

Betancourt said he will opt to have platelet-rich plasma therapy instead of Tommy John surgery in the hope of returning sooner.

Betancourt suffered the tear Thursday in Philadelphia. He had an MRI done on his right elbow, which revealed a partial tear, and will not pitch again this season.

Betancourt has served as the Rockies’ closer for the past two seasons. He has been on the disabled list three times this year with a groin strain and after an emergency appendectomy.

He has 16 saves in 19 opportunities this season.

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