Yankees prospect James Kaprielian to undergo Tommy John surgery

NEW YORK – Yankees top pitching prospect James Kaprielian is scheduled to undergo reconstructive Tommy John' elbow  surgery on Tuesday, the Yankees announced today.

An exam earlier this week by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles “essentially agreed’’ with initial findings by the club’s physician according to GM Brian Cashman. Dr. ElAttrache will perform the surgery.

A former first-round pick out of UCLA, Kaprielian was viewed as on the fast-track to the Bronx before a strained flexor tendon limited him to three minor league starts last year. Kaprielian, 23, pitched in the Arizona Fall League and in spring training with no issues until he reported elbow pain last week.

Kaprielian was still viewed as a Yankees rotation possibility later this season. But his current injury is related to last year’s issues. “Ultimately, the rehab process has not been successful,’’ Cashman said.

Caldera writes for the Bergen County Record, part of the Paste BN Network