Cain to have season-ending elbow surgery

NEW YORK -- Giants right-hander Matt Cain will undergo surgery next Monday to have bone chips and spurs removed from his throwing elbow, manager Bruce Bochy said on Monday.

Bochy said that Giants orthopedist Dr. Ken Akizuki will perform the procedure in San Francisco. Though a three-month timetable has been mentioned for Cain's recovery, that won't be known more definitively until surgery is performed and the extent of the irritation is determined.

Cain did not comment before leaving the Citi Field visitors' clubhouse following the Giants' 4-3 win over New York. But he has admitted that the fragments floating in his elbow have bothered him -- never more so than this year, when the three-time All-Star went on the disabled list for the first time with his throwing arm ailing. Earlier, he was sidelined with a cut finger and a hamstring strain.

"It's been frustrating for Matt," Bochy said. "He's been battling this for a while. It's time. He could keep trying to push it, but it's inevitable, it looks like. So we're going to have this done and have him ready for Spring Training."

Besides consulting Giants physicians, Cain also met with renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews and Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek within the past week. All recommended surgery for Cain, 29.

Cain built a reputation for durability by reaching the 200-inning level each season from 2007-12. This year, he was 2-7 with a 4.18 ERA in 15 outings after beginning the season as the No. 2 pitcher in San Francisco's starting rotation.