"Joba Chamberlain had none of the symptoms that come with a torn elbow ligament. He performed typical tasks, such as turning door knobs, without a problem. He threw all of his breaking pitches, a troublesome motion for those with torn elbows, without any issues. He never heard a pop.

He felt no pain.

So, when a team physician told him today that a dye-contrast MRI exam revealed a torn ligament in his right elbow , Chamberlain left before he could break down.

"It's pretty easy to break down in that situation," he said. "I got out of there, shed a couple of tears, but you can't let it beat you. You have to get stronger from it."

Though the team has sent his results to orthopedic surgeon James Andrews for further review, season-ending surgery is almost certainly the next step for the Yankees' reliever.

"It sucks," Chamberlain said. "There's no way to sugarcoat that."

Chamberlain has arguably been the most scrutinized Yankees prospect in recent years. The team's conservative approach to his development spawned what came to be known as "Joba Rules." Yet for all that caution, the 25-year-old pitcher faces major surgery.

"It was a surprise," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "The MRI does not match up with any symptoms.""