The Padres DFA'd the oft-injured pitcher earlier in the week, and Cosart decided to test the free agent market rather than stick around in San Diego's minor-league system. On top of his injury problems, the 27-year-old owns an unsightly 5.67 ERA, 1.79 WHIP and 53:58 K:BB over the past two seasons (81 innings), so he may have to start on a minor-league deal.

The Padres needed to clear a 40-man roster spot for reliever Kyle McGrath to come up to the big leagues, and given that Cosart is out for the year, he was a logical choice to cast off the 40-man. He underwent elbow surgery on July 19 and will now focus on getting ready for the 2018 season.

Cosart had been rehabbing at the team's spring training complex after being diagnosed with a flexor strain, but the injury appears to have required more of a long-term solution. The righty, who missed the beginning of the season while sidelined with a hamstring injury, finishes the 2017 campaign with a 4.88 ERA over seven appearances (six starts) and an unattractive 15:19 K:BB ratio. He begins the long road to recovery, as Dinelson Lamet takes over his spot in the starting rotation.

The right-hander's first potential return date used to be this Friday, but that clearly is not going to be met due to this development. Cosart was officially diagnosed with a flexor strain, so he will not begin throwing immediately upon his arrival in Arizona. This pushes his timeline well into the future, although no firm return date has been provided at this time. Look for Miguel Diaz and Dinelson Lamet to remain in the rotation while Cosart misses time.