Carrasco will miss all of 2012 to recover from elbow surgery

  CLEVELAND: Carlos Carrasco not only will miss the rest of this season, he probably won't return until 2013 after he undergoes elbow reconstruction surgery.

“”Conservative management of the injury failed,’’ head trainer Lonnie Soloff said today. “”So after several medical opinions, Carlos will undergo a UCL reconstruction. Dr. David Aitchek will perform the operation in New York on Wednesday. Recovery time for the surgery is 12-18 months, and we are hopeful that Carlos can begin game activity in 12 months.’’

More than likely, even if Carrasco does any pitching next year, it probably will be on a rehab assignment.

It remains to be seen how General Manaqger Chris Antonetti fills Carrasco's spot in the rotation, but manager Manny Acta views the loss of Carrasco as important.

“”This is a big blow to our rotation,’’ the manger said. “”Carlos missing a year is hard to swallow.’’

   In a minor move, the Tribe claimed right-haner Jason Rice on waivers from the Athletics and optioned him to Columbus. Rice was placed on the 40-man roster by moving Carrasco to the 60-day DL.

Rice, 25, posted a 4-5 record with four saves and a 3.69 earned-run average for  Pawtucket, the Triple-A affiliate of the Red Sox, who traded Rice to Oakland Aug. 31.