Magrane to Have Elbow Surgery

In news that resurrected painful memories of Kelly Gruber, the Angels announced Monday that starter Joe Magrane will undergo arthroscopic surgery today on his left elbow, which will sideline him for at least two months.

Just as traumatic for the Angels knowing that their No. 3 starter will be lost until mid-April is the ridicule they surely will receive by their peers in baseball. The Angels created a furor back in September for providing Magrane a contract that guaranteed $3 million over two years, and was worth a potential $13.3 million over four years.

Remember, this is the same pitcher who missed all but five games during the 1991 and 1992 seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

“I’m embarrassed about the whole situation,” Magrane said, “because I honestly felt we were negotiating in good faith at the end of the season. I feel I’ve let a lot of people down.”

Magrane, who began working out after the holidays, began experiencing some discomfort in January. He visited Dr. Lewis Yocum last week, and was given a cortisone shot. There was no improvement when he was examined again Tuesday, and Magrane opted for surgery, which is scheduled at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood.

“Every time you have surgery you’re concerned,” Magrane said, “but I honestly believe this is very minor. It isn’t like there’s any huge bone chips or spurs in there, it just needs cleaning out.”