BOSTON (AP) – Red Sox relief pitcher Scott Williamson sought a third opinion on his ailing right elbow Tuesday before deciding whether to have major reconstructive surgery.

It would be the second “Tommy John” surgery in three years for Williamson, who was scheduled for a meeting with Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday night in Birmingham, Ala., said Red Sox officials.

“The key to understand right now is we’re not clear on whether it’s a full rupture,” said Dr. William Morgan, Red Sox team physician. “We’re trying to get our heads together and come to a decision.”

If Andrews determines there’s a ruptured tendon, then surgery would be performed Wednesday in Cincinnati, where Williamson played before being traded to Boston last summer.

Andrews and Reds team medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek would perform the surgery, in which a tendon from another part of the body is inserted into the pitching elbow. They collaborated on Williamson’s first Tommy John surgery in April 2001.

After being examined by Morgan, Williamson got a second opinion from Kremchek, who recommended the surgery. The Red Sox transferred Williamson to the 60-day disabled list Tuesday to make room for Pawtucket call up Earl Snyder. This is Williamson’s second stint on the DL this season. He went on the DL on July 2, and had made progress toward a return to Boston’s bullpen. Williamson made several minor league appearances, but swelling returned to his elbow in the past week. Williamson, who was 2-0 with three saves in the playoffs last fall, had a 1.25 ERA in 21 appearances this season.

In other player moves Tuesday, infielder Kevin Youkilis was been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Monday. He suffered a bone bruise on his right ankle during a collision at home plate on Sunday.

First baseman David McCarty was also placed on the 15-day list, retroactive to Aug. 13, for a cyst on his right wrist.

The Red Sox also recalled Curtis Leskanic from his rehab stint in Pawtucket.