ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Boston Red Sox closer Tom Gordon underwent "Tommy John" surgery on his right elbow that will sideline him for the 2000 season, a team spokesman said.

Arm specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum and team physician Dr. Bill Morgan performed the procedure at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood, California.

The Red Sox favored a conservative approach to treatment, hoping that Gordon would need only to have bone chips cleaned out of the elbow. But team spokesman Kevin Shea said doctors found that the more serious procedure, named after the former pitcher, was necessary.

"Unfortunately there was too much damage," said Shea, who added that the recovery period was 12-to-16 months.

During the operation, a tendon was transplanted from Gordon's left wrist into the right elbow.

The injury could end Gordon's tenure with the Red Sox. He is under contract through the 2000 season with an option for 2001. But that option must be exercised by November 1, which is likely too early for the Red Sox to know his availability.

Also likely to factor into the mix is that Gordon is slated to make $3.75 million this season and the option is for $4.5 million. The Red Sox can buy Gordon out after the 2000 season for $500,000.

Gordon was bothered by his pitching elbow since spring training and was sidelined from April 18-May 10. His streak of converting 54 consecutive save chances ended on June 5 against Atlanta and he returned to the disabled list a week later.

Nicknamed "Flash," Gordon avoided season-ending surgery and instead rested the arm. He returned on September 29 and made three relief appearances in the final week of the season before allowing four runs over four innings in five playoff outings.

Gordon, 32, was 0-1 with 11 saves and a 5.60 ERA in 21 games in 1999. A converted starter, the 5-9 righthander emerged as Boston's closer late in 1997 and was signed to a two-year contract after the season. He was 7-4 with a 2.72 ERA and a league-leading 46 saves in 1998, striking out 78 in 79 1/3 innings.

The absence of Gordon likely leaves Derek Lowe and Rod Beck as candidates for the closer spot.

Boston also will be without veteran starter Bret Sabehagen, who underwent rotator cuff earlier in the offseason and could miss up to half the season.