Braves upbeat about Glavine

8/22/2008

NEW YORK - Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine underwent surgery on his left elbow and shoulder yesterday and is expected be ready for spring training.

Glavine's partially torn tendon in his elbow was repaired by Dr. James Andrews, who also cleaned up Glavine's shoulder. The Braves said the 42-year-old left-hander should be able to start a throwing program by January.

"We were pleased by the report that there was not a significant injury to the elbow or shoulder that would prevent Tom from pitching in the future," Atlanta general manager Frank Wren said in a statement.

Glavine isn't under contract for next season and only wants to pitch for Atlanta, close to his home and family. He had said he'd retire if he needed elbow ligament replacement surgery because the "Tommy John" procedure often requires at least a year of rehab.