Football
Associated Press 17y

Carpenter has recontructive surgery on elbow

ST. LOUIS -- Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter had
reconstructive elbow surgery Tuesday, an operation likely to
sideline him for at least a year.

The 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner, out since Opening Day, had
surgery in early May to remove bone spurs and was on a rehab
assignment for Class A Palm Beach when he developed swelling and
stiffness on July 8.

St. Louis team physician Dr. George Paletta operated Tuesday to
repair the ulnar collateral ligament in Carpenter's right elbow.

Carpenter was 3-1 in five postseason starts last year and threw
eight scoreless innings against Detroit in Game 3 of the World
Series, helping the Cardinals win their first championship in 24
years. He's 51-18 with a 3.10 ERA in 93 starts for St. Louis over
the last three seasons.

Carpenter hasn't pitched since allowing five runs in six innings
during a season-opening loss to the New York Mets. He reported
elbow stiffness and swelling the following day.

Cardinals left-hander Mark Mulder and right-handers
Todd Wellemeyer and Josh Kinney also are on the DL. Kinney had
reconstructive elbow surgery this spring.

Mulder, who had rotator cuff surgery last September, threw a
bullpen session Tuesday and could be close to a rehab assignment.

"He's making progress every time he goes out there," manager
Tony La Russa said. "It's been exciting."

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