Surgery For Astros' Pitcher

Houston Astros right-handed starting pitcher Scott Elarton, who pitched through pain toward the end of last season, is scheduled to undergo surgery Thursday on his throwing shoulder.

Elarton, 23, will have a partial tear of his rotator cuff repaired by team physician Dr. Bill Bryan. He is expected to be fully recovered by spring training, the team said.

In his first full season in the majors, Elarton was 9-5 with a 3.48 ERA. He began the season as a set-up relief pitcher to closer Billy Wagner before moving to the rotation on July 3.

He was 4-3 with a 3.83 ERA in 15 starts and is penciled in as the club's No. 4 starter next season.

©1999 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed