Gossage to Be Out at Least 3 Weeks

San Diego Padre relief pitcher Rich Gossage will be lost to the team for at least three weeks following arthroscopic surgery Thursday to remove torn cartilage from his right knee.

Gossage, a hard-throwing right-hander whose 21 saves in 26 appearances this season are third best in the National League, was sent back to San Diego from Atlanta on Wednesday after he awoke with a badly swollen knee.

According to Padre Manager Dick Williams, Gossage twisted the knee about six weeks ago as he pushed off the rubber while throwing. He since has been wrapping the knee in ice after each performance.