HOUSTON, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Houston Astros right-hander Brandon Backe Thursday underwent successful elbow reconstruction surgery in Birmingham, Ala., the team said on its Web site.
The 28-year-old Backe is expected to need 12-18 months rehabilitation time.
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He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 19.
"The realistic thought would be to be ready to go for Spring Training in 2008," Backe said on the team's Web site.
The "Tommy John" surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews Thursday morning.
In eight starts this season, Backe was 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA in 43 innings. He had 18 walks and 19 strikeouts.
In his brief career, Backe is 19-14 with an ERA of 4.71.
