SEATTLE, WA — Nolan Ryan's record-breaking career with the Texas Rangers ended Wednesday night, not with a farewell performance, but with a horrific elbow injury. Ryan seems to have torn the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during the Rangers' game versus Seattle at the Kingdome. He was removed from the game after four innings and did not return. The 36-year-old pitcher had one of the greatest careers in baseball history, compiling a record of 644-299 with an incredible strikeout rate of 7,243 K's in 15 seasons. His.542 winning percentage is the highest of any pitcher with more than 40 years of experience in the major leagues. After leaving Ranger Stadium, it was revealed that Ryan had surgery on his right elbow early Thursday morning in Seattle. The procedure was performed by Dr. James Andrews. "Nolan has suffered an injury to his right elbow that will require surgery," said Rangers president and chief executive officer Nolan Ryan. "This is obviously very disappointing for Nolan, who has made such great progress over the last year, but we feel confident that he will be back on the mound soon." Ryan's agent, Steve Marder, told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick that there are no plans at this time to remove Ryan from his role as the pitching coach for the Seattle Mariners. It's possible that Ryan could miss some or all of next season due to the injury.