Indians ace C.C. Sabathia had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Friday, two days after he shut out the Chicago White Sox for eight innings in his final start this season.

Torn cartilage was removed in the 35-minute procedure at Cleveland Clinic. The Indians expect the 26-year-old pitcher to begin his usual off-season throwing program in December and be 100 per cent when spring training opens in Florida in February.

Sabathia first felt discomfort in his knee during an August start against Tampa Bay. He was diagnosed with torn cartilage, but it was not deemed serious enough to sideline him.

Sabathia certainly didn't seem bothered by his knee trouble on the mound. He went 12-11 with a career-best 3.22 ERA in 28 starts.

Entering the final weekend of 2006, the left-hander leads the majors with six complete games. He campaigned hard for a seventh one against the White Sox before being pulled by manager Eric Wedge after throwing 121 pitches.

Despite missing the first month of the season with an abdominal strain, Sabathia pitched 192 2-3 innings and recorded a career-high 172 strikeouts. His 44 walks were his fewest since breaking into the big leagues in 2000.

Sabathia led the AL complete games, road ERA and tied teammates Jeremy Sowers and Jake Westbrook along with the John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels for the league lead with two shutouts.

``Wins and losses don't always tell the true tale with a starting pitcher,'' Wedge said. ``C.C. really solidified himself as a No. 1 pitcher this year. He showed leadership qualities.''

© The Canadian Press, 2007