Elbow Surgery Ends Pettitte’s Season

Andy Pettitte’s lost season came to an end Wednesday when the Houston Astros announced he would undergo surgery on his troublesome left elbow next week.

“It was getting to the point where the guys were focused on whether I could make it through the inning, much less get through the year,” Pettitte said. “I’m in unfamiliar territory. This is extremely disappointing.”

Pettitte was put on the 15-day disabled list for the third time this season. Dr. James Andrews will do the surgery Tuesday.

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.

On Tuesday, the Astros pushed Pettitte’s start back two days until Saturday. Pettitte knew his elbow wasn’t right during a bullpen session Monday. He was 6-4 with a 3.90 earned-run average in 15 starts.

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The San Francisco Giants were still unsure Wednesday whether right-hander Jason Schmidt’s strained right groin would keep him from making his next start.

Schmidt, a 15-game winner, was hurt when he ran to cover first base in the eighth inning of the Giants’ 5-4 victory over the Montreal Expos on Tuesday night.

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Left-hander Arthur Rhodes, sidelined seven weeks because of back strain, was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Athletics. Rhodes, who began the season as the A’s closer, was put on the disabled list July 2.

Rhodes is 3-3 with a 5.28 ERA and nine saves. Manager Ken Macha said Rhodes would assume a setup role.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks put catcher Koyie Hill on the 15-day disabled list, after he broke his right ankle in a collision at the plate Tuesday night. Hill, acquired from the Dodgers in the Steve Finley deal at the trade deadline, batted .250 in 13 games.

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Jerry Hairston will be lost to the Baltimore Orioles for the rest of the season after he broke his left ankle trying to catch a home-run ball in center field Tuesday night.