Astros' Weiland undergoes surgery for infection in shoulder

Houston Astros starting pitcher Kyle Weiland's shoulder condition worsened considerably since initial diagnosis of bursitis, sending him in for surgery on what the team believes to be an

infection. It also throws into question what was supposed to be a short disabled-list

stint and leaves open-ended just how long the Astros will need to find a new fifth

starter.

While an MRI taken last week revealed no structural damage, Weiland was given a culture

test, which pointed to a probable infection. Doctors performed an arthroscopic procedure

to clean out the joint prior to the Astros' 6-3 win over the Mets on Tuesday.

General manager Jeff Luhnow and Brad Mills were unable to give any sort of timetable

for his return, saying it depends on whether a course of antibiotics is needed and how

quickly rehab can begin. Weiland had already been on the disabled list retroactive to

April 25 and was supposed to miss just one more start.

"Unfortunately my original thinking was that he was just going to spend the 15 days on

there, but now we don't know," Luhnow said. "If he has to be treated for an infection, he

has to be treated for an antibiotic course and we don't know how long that would take and

how much he can do during that time and how long it will be before he's ready to throw

again in games."

Jordan Lyles took Weiland's spot the first trip through the rotation, but the Astros

will likely have to find someone new for the second. Barring another injury, Lyles must be

down in the minors 10 days after being optioned Sunday following his spot start. Because

of an off-day on Thursday, the Astros will delay Weiland's spot until May 8, when they'll

likely look to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

"We may end up bringing up someone just for that start again; we don't know," Luhnow

said. "We're discussing those options right now."