Mets losing Oliver Perez to knee surgery

NEW YORK, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- New York Mets southpaw Oliver Perez is slated for season-ending surgery on his right knee next Monday and will not pitch again this season.

The decision was made by Dr. David Atlchek, the Mets' Medical director, after he examined Perez Wednesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

"Upon the exam, Perez was diagnosed with patella tendon tendinitis in his right knee, which will require season-ending surgery," Altchek told New York Newsday. "He is expected to fully recover and be ready for spring training (next season)."

Perez finishes 2009, his eighth season in the majors, 3-4 with a 6.82 ERA in 14 starts (66 innings), 58 walks and 62 strikeouts.

He signed a three-year, $36 million contract last winter and this season spent more than two months on the disabled list with the same ailment and is on the 60-day disabled list.

Reliever J.J. Putz also is done with right elbow injury and Johan Santana will undergo left elbow surgery