Rondon, 22, was the Indians' minor league pitcher of the year in 2009.
Hector Rondon with the Indians in spring training.Cleveland -- Cleveland Indians pitcher Hector Rondon has undergone reconstructive Tommy John elbow surgery.
The Indians say the hard-throwing right-hander, 22, had the operation on Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala.
One of the top prospects in Cleveland's organization, Rondon went 1-3 with a 8.53 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A Columbus. He struck out 33 and walked 10 in 31 2/3 innings, but labored, as reflected in the 48 hits -- including 12 home runs -- that he gave up.
Rondon last pitched on May 12 before being shut down with soreness. The Indians sent him to their year-round training complex in Arizona, but he experienced more pain, and surgery was recommended.
Rondon was the Indians' minor league pitcher of the year in 2009. Pitching for Cleveland's top two farm teams -- Class AA Akron and Class AAA Columbus -- Rondon was a combined 11-10 with a 3.38 ERA, striking out 137 and walking just 29 in 146 1/3 innings.
Rondon is from Venezuela. The Indians signed him as an undrafted free agent in Aug., 2004, when he was 16. Rondon earned various minor league all-star honors in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
-- Associated Press contributed to this report