Hart was 3-1 with a 2.29 ERA and one save in six starts and nine overall appearances this year.

Indiana starting pitcher Kyle Hart needs Tommy John surgery

The Associated Press

Last Updated - Apr 14, 2014 13:25 EDT

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana pitcher Kyle Hart will miss the rest of this season because he needs Tommy John surgery.

Hart, a junior, had become a key piece in the rotation. In six starts and nine appearances, the left-hander was 3-1 with a 2.29 ERA. In March, Hart allowed just three earned runs in 28.1 innings and was named the Big Ten's top pitcher in back-to-back weeks.

Coach Tracy Smith said Monday he expects Hart to come back in 2015 and lead the Hoosiers' pitching staff.

It's the second big blow for the Big Ten favorites. The Hoosiers (21-11, 8-1) announced last month that closer Ryan Halstead would miss the rest of the season with an undisclosed injury.