HOUSTON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Lefthander Andy Pettitte will undergo season-ending surgery on his troublesome left elbow, the Houston Astros announced Wednesday.
Pettitte, 32, who was put on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, has a torn flexor tendon, the team said. He will have his operation Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala., and will wear a brace for as many as six weeks.
He could begin throwing within 12 to 16 weeks after the surgery, the Astros said.
Pettitte signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Astros during the off-season as a free agent after nine seasons with the New York Yankees.
The two-time All-Star has struggled through an injury-plagued year with Houston. He suffered the torn tendon while batting in his first start as an Astro and has spent two stints on the disabled list. For the year, Pettitte has a 6-4 record and a 3.90 ERA in 15 starts.
