Bud Black confirms surgery for Padres starter

Manager Bud Black confirmed more bad news for the Padres pitching staff. (AP photo)

Hard luck righthander Shawn Hill, is facing a long uphill run to salvage his career with the San Diego Padres.

SDNN has confirmed that Hill underwent ligament transplant surgery in Birmingham, Ala. performed by Dr. James Andrews and is facing nine-to-12 months of rehab.

Hill limped through an empty clubhouse on Monday with a heavy brace on his left knee, and a large surgical wrap extending from his shoulder down to his right forearm.

Manager Bud Black confirmed the surgery late Monday afternoon.

“They transplanted a tendon from his hamstring to his right elbow in hopes of saving his pitching career,” Black said. “He has such a good makeup as a pitcher. It is the cruel part of baseball.”

Hill experienced pain in different parts of his forearm and upper elbow for more than a year but it was never localized. He told SDNN last month the pain would show up one day, then in another location the next, and in a third area the next time.

He originally had Tommy John ligament surgery on the same elbow in 2004, made a full recovery, but then suffered nerve damage in his forearm, necessitating surgery in 2007.

Hill also had scar tissue surgery and a bone spur removed in 2008.

He went 1-1 in three starts with the Padres after coming over from the Washington Nationals in a spring training deal. He was being counted on for the fourth spot in the Padres rotation. He began his career with the Montreal Expos and was transferred with the franchise to Washington.

Hill has a career record of 8-16, fighting his way back from the three prior surgeries.

Meanwhile, staff ace Jake Peavy will have a boot removed from his injured ankle tomorrow and will be re-examined by three doctors to determine the healing process from a torn tendon.

San Diego’s number two starter Chris Young began intensive throwing work on flat ground, but no timetable has been set for his return to work on the mound while he recovers from two cortisone injections in his shoulder.

Cha Sueng Baek will throw off flat ground again as he recovers from a strained forearm. Reliever Luke Gregerson will work off a bullpen mound tomorrow and may be headed toward a minor league rehab assignment as he comes back from shoulder fatigue.

The Friars have six pitchers on the disabled list in addition to outfielder Brian Giles and catcher Nick Hundley.

Tags: SDNN

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