Published: July 01, 2009 11:47 pm      

Ailing Uehara likely out for two months

BALTIMORE — Orioles pitcher Koji Uehara will be sidelined roughly two months after an examination of his ailing right elbow revealed a partial tear of the flexor tendon.

Uehara, the first Japanese-born player in Orioles history, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday. The injury was initially believed to be a strained elbow, but tests revealed the injury to be much worse.

Now it appears Uehara won’t return until late August or early September.

“Surgery is not required,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said Wednesday. “It’s just a rest thing. Then, after the 3-5 weeks, he will have to start a throwing program.

“So obviously you’re looking at 7-8 weeks total before he’d be in a game again if everything goes well.”

The 34-year-old Uehara hasn’t picked up a baseball since his last start, on June 23 against the Florida Marlins. He threw 76 pitches in that game before leaving with elbow soreness.

After starring for a decade in Japan, Uehara has endured a disappointing rookie season in the big leagues. He won his first two decisions but has since gone winless in 10 starts. He is 2-4 with a 4.05 ERA.