Bruce Bochy just gave an update on Johnny Cueto’s elbow and said that surgery is a “strong possibility”. He was placed on the disabled list this afternoon and is expected to get a final answer/second opinion on his condition and the ensuing options later this week. But, yeah, surgery is high on the list. Tommy John surgery, in case that wasn’t clear.
The average recovery time is in the 12-15 month range. Recall that Will Smith underwent this surgery at the end of March 2017 and was pitching again on May 2nd of 2018.