Newz Forum: BASEBALL: Pettitte to undergo season-ending surgery

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Andy Pettitte's lost season came to an end Wednesday when the Houston Astros announced the pitcher would have surgery on his troublesome left elbow next week.

Pettitte was put on the 15-day disabled list for the third time this season. Dr. James Andrews will do the surgery next Tuesday to repair a torn flexor tendon.

Pettitte, 32, will start rehabilitation the day after surgery and be in a brace for up to six weeks. He will resume throwing 12-to-16 weeks after the procedure.

The former All-Star joined the hometown Astros in December, leaving the New York Yankees as a free agent to sign a $31.5 million, three-year contract.

But Pettitte tore a tendon in his elbow in his Houston debut - while batting, of all things - and has not been right all season.

Pettitte was 6-4 with a 3.90 ERA in 15 starts for the Astros, who have had a disappointing season after coming in with high expectations. Even with Roger Clemens joining the rotation in the winter and the midseason acquisition of Carlos Beltran, the Astros fell out of the NL Central race and faded in the wild-card chase.

The Astros plan to recall right-hander Brandon Backe from Triple-A New Orleans. He will join the team Friday in Houston.

Backe, 26, will make his first major league start on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs after 61 career relief appearances.

didnt he go down last season with a similar injury?