Braves RHP Soriano undergoes surgery

Aug 29, 2008 - 12:27 AM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Rafael Soriano's injury-plagued season officially is over.

Expected to be the Atlanta Braves' closer this season, Soriano on Thursday underwent season-ending surgery on his right elbow.

Plagued by elbow soreness for much of the year, the 28-year-old appeared in just 14 games, going 0-1 with three saves and a 2.57 ERA. Soriano finally opted to undergo surgery, which was performed by Dr. James Andrews.

While performing an ulnar nerve transposition, Andrews also discovered a bone spur on the posterior of Soriano's elbow. However, there was no ligament damage detected.

Soriano, who is on the disabled list for the third time this season, is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for spring training in 2009.