Guardians star David Fry has undergone elbow surgery. Fry was a postseason star for the AL Central champions

CLEVELAND — Guardians All-Star and postseason star David Fry underwent reconstructive surgery on his right elbow and is expected to need at least six months of rehabilitation before he can pitch for the defending AL Central champions.

The team announced Monday that Fry, an invaluable utility player, underwent surgery Wednesday in Dallas. Fry was unable to catch or pitch for the final few months of this season due to elbow pain.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Keith Meister, who repaired Fry’s damaged ulnar collateral ligament using a technique that included a hybrid/internal brace and tendon graft. The surgery also resolved a flexor tendon strain.

The brace is believed to speed up the healing process compared to traditional Tommy John surgery, which typically leads to a recovery period of 12 to 15 months.

The Rangers expect Fry to take 6 to 8 months before he is their designated hitter. It will take a year of rehabilitation before he can play on the pitch.

Fry, 28, is batting .263 this season with 14 homers and 51 RBIs. Fry believes he injured his elbow while throwing to second base while catching a ball in a June game against Toronto.

He held strong in the playoffs, hitting a homer in Game 4 in Detroit as the Guardians rallied to win the AL Division Series, then hitting a two-run homer in the 10th inning to beat the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS.

The Guardians had several other roster moves. Outfielder Myles Straw has accepted a direct assignment to Triple-A Columbus. Backup James Karinchak was also called up from the 60-day injured list and was granted free agency.

The team also activated left-hander Sam Hentges and right-hander Trevor Stephan from the 60-day injured list.

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