DETROIT -- Baltimore Orioles right-hander Scott Erickson underwent successful "Tommy John surgery" on his right elbow Tuesday.

	Erickson

The surgery was performed by Anaheim Angels orthopedic specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum in California.

A tendon was transplanted from Erickson's left wrist to replace the ulnar collateral ligament in the right elbow. Erickson's arm will be immobilized for at least two weeks before he begins rehabilitation.

Orioles trainer Richie Bancells said Monday that recovery normally takes 8-to-12 months.

Erickson, 32, was 5-8 with a 7.87 ERA in his 11th major league season. His last start was July 24, and he went on the disabled list four days later.

Erickson will rest the arm for four weeks at his home in Southern California before beginning to work on range of motion. He will join the team for its series in Anaheim on Sept. 8-11 but is not expected to be with the team at any other point this season.

"Scotty has a long road ahead of him," Baltimore manager Mike Hargrove said Monday night. "I think we all had a sneaking suspicion the outcome would be like this."

Neither Hargrove nor Bancells would speculate on how long it will take Erickson to recover.

"I think next year's in doubt. It's safe to say the start of the season's in doubt," Hargrove said.

Said Bancells, "There's a chance he could (come back) at the end of next season," Bancells said. "It has a high rate of success."