Joel Hanrahan is on the disabled list with what the Red Sox are calling a flexor muscle strain. But the righthander is concerned enough to be seeking a second opinion and will visit Dr. James Andrews on Friday.

Hanrahan told ESPN Boston that the results of his MRI were sent to Andrew in advance of his visit.

If Hanrahan has a torn ulnar collateral ligament, he could require Tommy John surgery.

Hanrahan, sources told the Globe, has bruising and swelling around his elbow that could indicate a more serious injury than a simple muscle strain.


Hanrahan has already been on the disabled list twice this season, the first time with a strained right hamstring.

The Sox have had little luck in obtaining high-profile closers in recent years:

• Bobby Jenks was signed to a two-year, $12 million deal before the 2011 season. He appeared in only 19 games and had a 6.32 ERA before a series of injuries ended his career. He was later treated for alcohol abuse is now out of baseball at the age of 32.

• Andrew Bailey was obtained from Oakland before the 2012 season. He has appeared in only 32 games for the Sox because of two stints on the disabled list. Bailey missed much of last season with a torn thumb ligament and is now out with a biceps strain. He has a 4.55 ERA with the Sox.

• Hanrahan, obtained from Pittsburgh in December, has pitched in nine games and has a 9.82 ERA.