Mulder expected to have surgery

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Mark Mulder will undergo arthroscopic surgery next week to repair his rotator cuff after getting a second opinion that concurred with the team's diagnosis.

Mulder, 29, went back on the 15-day disabled list last week for the second time this season. He missed two months earlier this year due to rotator cuff damage and impingement in the shoulder, which had caused him to alter his delivery.

Mulder was examined Wednesday by Dr. David Altchek, the Mets' team physician, who agreed with the finding of Cardinals team physician Dr. George Paletta.

Mulder entered the season as the winningest active pitcher in the major leagues the previous five years. He's 6-7 in 17 starts this year with a 7.14 ERA.

-- The Associated Press