New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia had arthroscopic surgery on Thursday to remove a small bone spur from his throwing elbow, the team said.
Sabathia is expected to make a full recovery and be ready prior to the start of the 2013 season, according to the Yankees, who were swept out of the American League playoffs in four games by the Detroit Tigers.
In August, Sabathia was placed on the disabled list after experiencing discomfort in the elbow.
However, he returned to action on August 24 and made his final seven regular-season starts before taking the mound three more times in the playoffs.
Sabathia finished the 2012 campaign with a 15-6 record and a 3.38 ERA.
Sabathia was roughed up by Tigers batters in the fourth and final game of the ALCS, with Jhonny Peralta belting two homers and driving in three runs.
American League triple crown winner Miguel Cabrera and Austin Jackson also homered as Sabathia lasted just 3 2/3 innings.
Elbow op for Yankees' Sabathia
