The Minnesota Twins released right hander reliever pitcher Joel Zumaya, according to MLB.com.

Zumaya, 27, tore his ulnar collateral ligament on Feb. 25 while throwing a batting-practice session. He is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery on Thursday in Pensacola, Fla.

Zumaya has undergone five previous procedures since 2006. In 2010, his average fastball speed still reached 99.3 miles per hour, despite his injuries.

In 171 career games he has struck out 210 batters in 209 innings pitched, while posting a career 2.58 ERA.

Minnesota Twins reliever Joel Zumaya has decided to undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, according to the Associated Press.

Twins GM Terry Ryan confirmed today that Zumaya will opt for the reconstructive operation. Dr. James Andrews will perform the procedure later this month. He is likely to miss the entire season.

Zumaya, 27, left the Detroit Tigers in January after five years, signing a one-year contract with the Twins for $400,000 guaranteed. He had a record of 13-12 with a 3.05 ERA in 209.2 innings during his five seasons in Detroit.

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Joel Zumaya will get an MRI on his elbow Sunday morning, according the the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Zumaya is returning from a fractured elbow sustained last season. This injury is unrelated, and the concern is ligament damage.

“Obviously he felt something that was discomforting so he came off, which was right,” Minnesota general manager Terry Ryan said, according to the report. “We’ve had this happen down here  before. We’ve had people walk off the mound because they were hurt. I’m glad he came off there, we’ll get it addressed tomorrow and see what the results of that MRI are. It would be a little less concerning if we didn’t have the history with him, which he’s experienced in his career.”

Zumaya, 27, has endured injury problems throughout his career with the Detroit Tigers, failing to throw more than 38 innings since 2006.

Joel Zumaya is back in the game — the flame-throwing reliever has agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins.

Zumaya, who was known throughout his five seasons in Detroit for routinely cracking 100 miles per hour on his fastball, missed all of last season with a fractured elbow. His last appearance in a major league game, ironically against the Twins, came on June 28, 2010.

According to MLB.com, Zumaya’s deal will be worth between $800,000 to $1.7 million, depending on appearance-based incentives. The reliever reportedly had “good offers” from three other clubs but chose the Twins for the guaranteed money, rather than a minor league deal and spring training invite.

Zumaya had a record of 13-12 with a 3.05 ERA in 209.2 innings during his five seasons in Detroit. He turns 28 in November.