Wieland set to rehab, play catch in six weeks

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Padres pitcher Joe Wieland will be able to play catch in six weeks after having elbow surgery on Tuesday in San Diego.

Team doctor Heinz Hoenecke performed the procedure.

"The doctors found what was expected -- he had an impingement in the back of the elbow and they got rid of some hard pieces of loose cartilage, and they also did some shaving of the back of the elbow," manager Bud Black said.

"They suspect Joe will have a speedy recovery."

Black said Wieland will do his rehabilitation at Petco Park in advance of playing catch in six weeks. From there, he'll start a throwing program aimed at getting him on a mound.

Wieland, who had Tommy John surgery on July 27, 2012, experienced soreness in the elbow in a start on March 15. The soreness was in the same area where he had a triceps strain last year during his recovery and rehabilitation, which led to a stress reaction that slowed his rehab program.

Wieland flew to San Diego to have an MRI. He also visited with noted orthopedic surgeon and Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek, who recommended surgery to the elbow joint.