Left-hander Chris Capuano has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow, the Brewers announced Sunday.

Capuano will seek a third opinion from Dr. James Andrews, before deciding on Tommy John surgery or an attempt at rehabilitation. But the fact that the ligament is torn pretty much rules out the rehab route and makes surgery about definite.

Capuano had Tommy John sugery in 2002, performed by Andrews, and it took him 11 months before he was back on the mound competitively. On Saturday, Capuano was told it could be a tear of the same ligament from 2002, and today it was comfirmed to Capuano and the team by team physician William Raasch.

"It's very daunting to think about going through that rehab again," Capuano said.

If it is determined Capuano needs a second Tommy John, which again is very likely, he would have it as soon as possible and probably before opening day.

The injury happened Monday in a split-squad game against the Mariners. After giving up a home run to Richie Sexson, Capuano felt a "bite" against the next batter, Vladimir Balentien. Capuano tried to pitch through the pain, which he said was similar to the tendonitis he had in 2004, but his next pitch went directly into the dirt.

Capuano said he knew then it could be more serious than just soreness or inflammation.

While battling for a spot in the starting rotation, Capuano was 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA, giving up 21 hits and 11 earned runs in 11 innings this spring. Last season, Capuano was 5-12 with a 5.10 ERA.