Dodgers reliever Chris Withrow advised to undergo Tommy John surgery

Hard-throwing reliever Chris Withrow has been advised by the Dodgers’ physician to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Withrow was optioned to triple-A Albuquerque on May 21 to clear a roster spot for Hyun-Jin Ryu, who was returning from the 15-day disabled list.

However, Withrow was never added to the Albuquerque roster.

Manager Don Mattingly was asked about Withrow’s status on Wednesday night but declined to comment, saying he didn’t know what information the notoriously secretive Dodgers wanted to make public.

Turns out, the Dodgers placed Withrow on the major league 15-day disabled list last week.

The Dodgers issued a statement Thursday, saying Withrow complained about elbow pain and was diagnosed on Friday with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Dr. Neal ElAttrache recommended Withrow undergo reconstructive elbow surgery and Withrow is now seeking a second opinion.

A first-round pick in the 2007 draft, the 25-year-old Withrow has appeared in 46 games over the last two seasons, including 20 this year. Withrow has a 2.95 earned-run average this season, but has walked 18 batters in 21 1/3 innings.