Rockies P Shawn Chacon has minor surgery

[RockieBill]

SportsTicker

DENVER (Ticker) -- Colorado Rockies righthander Shawn Chacon underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday to repair a small meniscus tear in his cartilage.

The procedure was performed by team orthopedists Drs. Michael Curtin and Tom Noonan at the Steadman/Hawkins Clinic in Denver.

The 24-year-old Chacon was 6-10 with a 5.06 ERA in 27 starts as a rookie in 2001. He walked 87 and struck out 133 in 160 innings.

...doesn't sound like a big deal - he should be ready to go by ST.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/gen/wire?messageId=7815563

[RockieBill]

Right-handed pitcher Shawn Chacon was a pleasant surprise for the Colorado Rockies a year ago. This season, the Rockies are counting on the Greeley Central High School graduate to fill one of the top three spots in their rotation.

Shawn underwent arthroscopic surgery earlier this week to repair a tear in the meniscus in his right knee. Chacon said the surgery was similar to a procedure he underwent three years ago.

"They say it takes four to six weeks to heal, and last time I was ready in four weeks," Chacon, 24, said. "I expect to be ready for the start of spring training."

Called up the final weekend of April last season, the rookie compiled a 6-10 record and 5.06 earned-run average and was chosen the Rockies' most consistent pitcher at Coors Field.

A third-round draft choice in 1996, Chacon recorded a team-best eight quality starts -- pitching at least six innings and allowing three or fewer earned runs -- at Coors Field.

Chacon said his knee began to swell in early January, but initially he didn't believe it to be a problem.