Football
SportsTicker 19y

Cubs RHP Wood to undergo season-ending surgery

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs finally may have raised the
white flag.

Righthander Kerry Wood will undergo season-ending right shoulder
surgery on Wednesday, the team announced Monday.

Three weeks ago, manager Dusty Baker said the team had to figure
out how to use Wood for the remainder of the season because the
Cubs still had a chance for the postseason. It appears the
organization has changed that view.

Wood, the 1998 National League Rookie of the Year who missed the
entire 1999 season after elbow surgery, was placed on the
disabled list on May 4 for six weeks because of a strained
muscle in his pitching shoulder and then again on July 26 with
inflammation in the shoulder. Since his return on August 6, the
28-year-old had worked exclusively out of the bullpen.

For the season, Wood is 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA. He will be
available for Monday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Chicago expected to compete for the National Central Division
title this season but a number of injuries have contributed to a
disappointing campaign. The Cubs entered Monday in fourth
place with a 62-68 record, 20 1/2 games behind the St. Louis
Cardinals.

Along with Wood, righthander Mark Prior has spent two stints on
the disabled list, shortstop Nomar Garciaparra has missed most
of the season with a groin injury and second baseman Todd Walker
missed six weeks with a knee injury.

Third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who has been playing hurt for the
past several months, went on the DL Friday with a quadriceps
injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season.

To replace Wood, Chicago plans to recall outfielder Matt Murton
from Iowa of the Pacific Coast League. In 25 games earlier this
season, the 23-year-old batted .339 with one homer and four RBIs
in 25 games.

^ Back to Top ^