McCaskill Has Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery and Is Expected to Be Out for Three Months

Kirk McCaskill, 17-10 last year and 2-0 through the first two weeks of the new season, is expected to be lost to the Angels for three months as the result of arthroscopic surgery Monday for removal of bone chips in his right elbow. Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the surgery at Centinela Hospital Medical Center.

Despite the severity of the loss, Manager Gene Mauch said he was pleased that the elbow did not have to be cut, prolonging the rehabilitation.

“I was very fearful they wouldn’t be able to get the whole thing done arthroscopically,” Mauch said. “As young and as strong as Kirk is, I’m betting on his being ready right after the All-Star break (July 13-15). If we get as many starts from him as we did from (John) Candelaria, I’ll be tickled to death.”

Candelaria had similar surgery April 16 of last year and did not start again until July 8. He was 10-2 in 15 starts.

Willie Fraser, who made five successful relief appearances before being bombed as McCaskill’s replacement Saturday in Minneapolis, will continue in that role, Mauch said. Urbano Lugo, 7.91 earned-run average, will remain the fifth starter.

Mauch did not rule out the possibility that left-hander Chuck Finley may eventually move into the rotation.