Cubs' Lilly has surgery

Cubs starting pitcher Ted Lilly underwent surgery on his left shoulder this week, the team announced Wednesday.

Lilly, who will turn 34 in January, could return to the starting rotation sometime within the month of April, the team said. Lilly flew to Los Angeles for the surgery, where Dr. Lewis Yocum found no major damage to the pitcher's shoulder during a procedure to wash out and clean up the area.

The Cubs said Lilly immediately would begin an aggressive rehabilitation program to increase his range of motion and strength in his pitching arm. The team will establish a timeline for Lilly to start his throwing program after Jan. 1, when Lilly will be re-evaluated by doctors.

Lilly started the 2009 season as the Cubs' best starting pitcher and was the team's lone representative at the All-Star Game in St. Louis. But he struggled badly in the second half, with knee and shoulder injuries adding to his problems.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said he was happy that Lilly's surgery was successful.

“At the end of last week, Ted decided that undergoing a surgical procedure was the course of action he wanted to pursue, a decision the club supported," Hendry said in a news release. "We’re glad the surgery did not reveal any major damage to Ted’s shoulder and look forward to his return to our rotation.”

Lilly finished last season with a 12-9 record and a 3.10 ERA in 27 starts. He is 44-26 in three seasons with the Cubs and will enter the final year of his contract in 2010.

-Tom Musick