The Toronto Blue Jays will be without closer B.J. Ryan for the rest of the season and part of 2008 after he underwent ligament-replacement (Tommy John) surgery Thursday.

Ryan, who blew two of four save chances this season before he was placed on the disabled list last month, is expected to be ready for spring training next February.

Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan posted 38 saves last season.
(Frank Gunn/Canadian Press)

However, recovery from Tommy John usually takes 12 to 18 months.

The left-handed relief pitcher's elbow woes began this spring, although Blue Jays management disguised them as a sore back.

It was believed Ryan, who saved 38 games last season — his first in Toronto — would return to game action as early as June but the elbow pain did not subside after three weeks of rest.

In Ryan's absence, Jason Frasor has struggled as the interim closer. Shaun Marcum and Jeremy Accardo could also earn save chances the rest of this season.

Ryan signed a five-year, $47-million free-agent contract with the Blue Jays prior to the 2006 season.

Also Thursday, the Blue Jays placed starter Victor Zambrano on the 15-day DL with a right forearm strain.

Jamie Vermilyea was recalled from triple-A Syracuse and will pitch out of the bullpen. Marcum will replace Zambrano in the rotation and make his first start of the season Sunday against Tampa Bay.

With files from the Canadian Press