Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kyle Drabek, part of the trade that brought ace Roy Halladay to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009, will undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career, according to a tweet by Sportsnet reporter Barry Davis.

Drabek to have tj surgery tomorrow. #bluejays

—
Barry Davis (@SNBarryDavis) June 18, 2012

Drabek, 24, felt a “popping” in his elbow in the fifth inning of his start last Wednesday. It was reported on Friday that he was believed to have a torn ligament in his elbow. He was expected to visit Dr. James Andrews on Monday for confirmation of that diagnosis.

Drabek went 4-7 with a 4.67 ERA in 13 starts this season. He previously underwent Tommy John surgery as a minor league pitcher in 2007.

Toronto Blue Jays righthander Kyle Drabek was removed from his Wednesday start against the Washington Nationals in the fifth inning after feeling a pop in the back of his right elbow.

Initial tests in the clubhouse showed no loss of strength or instability in the elbow, according to Shi Davidi of sportsnet.ca. More tests were scheduled for later Wednesday to determine the full extent of the problem.

Drabek, however, was optimistic following the game, saying, “I had the Tommy John in ’07. It’s nothing like that, but it’s always frightening. Not too concerned. Once I ran through all the tests and I was strong, it was a relief. … It’s just a little sore right now. Obviously I want to go back out and pitch but it’s up the trainers and coaches.”

The Jays are already without ace Brandan Morrow, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday because of a muscle strain. Drabek is 4-7 with a 4.67 ERA this season.