BALTIMORE — Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Charlie Morton is out for the season after undergoing elbow surgery.

Dr. James Andrews repaired the ulnar collateral ligament in Morton's right arm. The procedure took place Thursday in Pensacola, Fla.

The 28-year-old pitcher went on the 15-day disabled list on June 1 with inflammation in his right elbow. He was 2-6 with a 4.65 ERA in nine starts this season.

Recovery time from the operation, often referred to as Tommy John surgery, is 12-18 months.

Obtained from Atlanta in June 2009, Morton finished that season 5-9 with Pittsburgh. He was 2-12 in 2010 before rebounding to go 10-10 last year. He led the team with 171 2-3 innings and ranked second in wins behind Kevin Correia.

The loss of Morton means the likely call-up of prospect Rudy Owens from Class AAA Indianapolis as veteran right-hander Jeff Karstens continues to rehab from injury and Brad Lincoln has been ineffective in his last two spot starts.